Oct. 10, 2009

Box Score |  Quotes (Video)

MILWAUKEE - Freshman Cody Banks assisted one goal and scored the other to lead the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Loyola University Saturday night at Engelmann Field. Banks first collegiate game-winner led the Panthers (3-7-2, 2-1-2 Horizon) past the Ramblers (3-4-3, 0-2-2 Horizon) and extended the team's unbeaten streak to four games (2-0-2).

Banks put in the game-winner at the 52:12 mark, redirecting junior Greg Rosenthal's 20-yard free kick in front of the LU keeper and into the back of the net.

"It was a huge win for us," Milwaukee head coach Jon Coleman said. "It's a great win, especially to take the lead early, have them equalize, and still be able to maintain the consistency, get another goal and hang on and protect it."

The UWM defense did the rest, limiting the Ramblers dangerous opportunities the rest of the way. Freshman goalkeeper John Shakon ended the night with five saves, none bigger then in the 56th minute when he punched Mark Halma's header up and over the cross bar. He also made a tough stop of a Loyola shot in the 69th minute after the 15-yard attempt was redirected on the way to the goal.

"I am really proud of the guys," Coleman said. "We had a few injuries, but guys were ready to play. It was a collective group effort to get the result and we are going to need that going forward. For us to go four games unbeaten is fantastic."

Freshman Andrew Wiedabach put the Panthers on the board first, taking a lead pass from Banks before making a move around a final defender. His 15-yard shot was touched by the keeper, but had enough on it to make it a 1-0 lead at the 20:26 mark.

Loyola did tie the game in the 35th minute when Andy Weis headed in a short free kick.

The offense had a couple of chances for an insurance goal late, but was not able to capitalize. Sophomore Ross Van Osdol nearly had a goal in the 81st minute, but had his 25-yard blast stopped with a diving save by Peter McKeown at the post. Banks had a shot from in the goal box after a nice crossing pass from freshman Matthew Bewley, but was not able to get enough on it for the score in the 71st.

The UWM defense came up big in the 31st minute when freshman Robert Jarosz stopped a shot by LU's Alex Jones at the line. The ball bounced right back to Jones, but his second chance was corralled by Shakon.

For the game, UWM was outshot, 19-to-10, with Loyola leading with shots on target with the 7-to-5 edge. Van Osdol led the way with five shots, while Jones led Loyola with four. Milwaukee had two of the match's eight corner kicks and was whistled for 17 of the 33 fouls.

The schedule continues the one-game-per-week portion, as Milwaukee will prepare for a showdown with a UIC team Oct. 17 that began the season ranked in the top 10 in the national polls. Game time in Chicago is set for 7 p.m. at Flames Field.