Nov. 10, 2009

Box Score | Quotes (Audio file)

VALPARAISO, Ind. - Despite a strong first half showing, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team suffered a 4-0 loss to Valparaiso University Tuesday afternoon at Brown Field. With the loss to the Crusaders (10-6-2) in the first round of the Horizon League Tournament, the Panthers (3-13-2) see their 2009 season come to a close.

"It's a disappointing way to end the season," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "The score really does not depict the game. We fought hard early and created some chances and then they scored early. We just started to lose our way a little bit and they got the better of us."

Milwaukee dominated possession and the run of play in the first half, but ended with nothing to show for it on the scoreboard. The Panthers created numerous chances with dangerous runs and passes, but were not able to put their quality opportunities on frame.

Freshman Cody Banks came up with two of the best, putting a shot from the wing off a nice lead pass from junior Robert Refai just wide in the 19th minute before just missing a strike from the top of the box on a second-phase attack in the 20th minute. He pushed that attempt just a few feet wide right of the net.

The team ended with a 7-to-1 advantage in shots prior to intermission. But, Valparaiso converted its one chance into a goal. A free kick from the left sideline was floated into the box, where Roby Del Giudice was able to get a foot on it. He directed it right to Brendan Roth, who one-timed it into the top left of the frame at the 6:59 mark to make it 1-0.

Trailing 1-0 early in the second half, freshman goalkeeper John Shakon came up with what appeared to be a huge momentum turner when he saved a penalty kick at the 52:30 mark. Unfortunately, the rebound went right back to Zack Stivers, who cleaned up the five-yard deflection to make it 2-0.

Junior Greg Rosenthal stopped a goal with an incredible team save in the 63rd minute, only to see Roth add a tally in the 78th minute and Kelvin Zeelee close out the scoring in the 88th.

VU's Steve Shively headed a ball over a charging Shakon at the 62:48 mark and it was headed for the back of the net. Rosenthal went charging full speed to the goal line and kicked the ball backwards over his shoulder just inches before it crossed the line.

The Panthers ended the match with advantages of 16-to-11 in shots and 4-to-3 in corner kicks. Valparaiso advances to play Green Bay Friday in Indianapolis, Ind.