Oct. 4, 2009

Box Score |  Quotes (Video)

MILWAUKEE - Sophomore Ross Van Osdol was in the right place at the right time Sunday, scoring the winning goal in overtime to give the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team a 1-0 victory over the University of Detroit at Engelmann Field. Just before the score, freshman Matthew Bewley's prior shot hit the left post and rebounded out to Van Osdol, who netted the golden goal from 10 yards out.

"The victory feels fantastic ... it was a resilient, hard-fought game," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "We found the right combination of players down the stretch that got us the win. It is a good Sunday. Not only to be in the game, create opportunities, create chances, but making sure that we didn't stay frustrated but stayed patient. I thought we did a good job of that and were rewarded for it at the end."

The Panthers (2-7-2, 1-1-2 Horizon), playing in their third-consecutive overtime match, get the victory against the Titans (1-8-1, 0-3-0 Horizon) behind freshman goalkeeper John Shakon, who recorded his second-consecutive shutout of the weekend with three saves.

"That is a huge, huge bonus and bright spot," Coleman said. "To get two shutouts and prevent the opposition from scoring is great."

The winning goal came after a Detroit hand ball, setting up a serve from near the right end line of the 18-yard box. Sophomore Eric Frazier sent the ball into the box and the first touch was deflected out to Bewley. He sent his attempt to the far post, where it rebounded to Van Osdol, who calmly finished at the 93:05 mark for his second goal of the season and first career game-winner.

Milwaukee had a couple of chances to end it in regulation. Frazier has an opportunity on a breakaway in the 87th minute, only to see his shot go just wide to the right of the goal. In the 73rd minute, it was Frazier again, on a nice lead pass from Van Osdol, but again had the attempt go wide.

Freshman Andrew Wiedabach also had a chance, but his 20-yard blast was stopped with a diving save at the post in the 58th minute.

The defense played well again, with Shakon earning his third career clean sheet. Sophomore defender DJ Alexander also came up with a big stop, heading a shot from Sam Seppo off the line in the 55th minute to keep the contest scoreless at the time.

UWM dominated offensively all day, but Brandon Waterstradt made a couple of quality saves in the first half to keep it off the board. Sophomores Zach Funk (ninth minute) and Tony Maxey (40th minute) each had near-goals stopped by the UDM keeper.

Offensively, Milwaukee was over 20 shots as a team once again, outshooting its opponent 23-to-14 on the day, including 7-to-4 in shots on goal. The Panthers had seven of the 12 corner kicks in the game and were whistled for 10 of the 26 fouls. Wiedabach led the team with five shots and Funk was second with four.

The schedule will slow down a bit for the Panthers, as just one game awaits them next week. They will host Loyola Oct. 10, in a game scheduled to start at 6 p.m. at Engelmann Field. The contest will be part of "Family Weekend" festivities on the campus.