Oct. 17, 2009

Box Score |  Quotes (Video)

CHICAGO, Ill. - Ivan Stanisavljevic scored with just 27 seconds remaining to send the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team to a heartbreaking 1-0 loss against UIC Saturday night. The Panthers (3-8-2, 2-2-2 Horizon) put up a great defensive effort against the Flames (5-4-4, 2-1-1 Horizon), only to see the winning goal find the back of the net less than a minute away from overtime and ending Milwaukee's four-game unbeaten streak in the process.

"That was a tough one ... that was two teams that want to win," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "I think our guys did a really good job of staying in the game, sticking with the game plan - battling hard - and I think it's unfortunate that 30 seconds from time we give them an opportunity and don't take care of business."

The Flames had two corner kicks in the final minute, with the second one setting up the game-winner. Stanisavljevic's header at the near post off the corner kick decided it.

"Anyone that saw the game tonight can see that this team is improving," Coleman said. "We're getting better performances from individuals and getting continuity from the team that is going to win us games down the stretch."

Freshman goalkeeper John Shakon made five saves in the game, none that appeared bigger than with 1:29 remaining when he made a diving close-range save after two touch passes left Charlie Trout wide open in the six-yard box. He made two other saves in the 79th and 83rd minutes that were game-savers as well.

Milwaukee had a couple of chances to score, but came up just short. Junior Greg Rosenthal had a 20-yard free kick punched out of danger by UIC keeper Jovan Bubonja with about 20 minutes left. In the 75th minute, Cody Banks fed a streaking Matthew Bewley for a shot off the right wing, but Bubonja made a diving save at the post to keep it 0-0 at the time. Rosenthal then sent a header just wide on the following corner kick.

Bubonja pulled out a save that did not appear on the stat sheet, as a UWM shot deflected off a Flame defender and was heading towards the back of the net with about 11 minutes left. Only a quick one-armed stab by Bubonja kept it from the back of the net and an own goal.

For the contest, UIC ended with advantages of 12-to-3 in shots and 8-to-3 in corner kicks. The Panthers were whistled for 12 of the 21 fouls in the match.

Milwaukee hits the road next, heading to Northern Illinois for the annual showdown for the LeWang Trophy with the Huskies. Game time is slated for a 3 p.m. start.