Nov. 5, 2009

Box Score |  Quotes (Video)

MILWAUKEE - Pablo Delgado scored in the 89th minute to send the University of Wisconsin home a winner, claiming a 1-0 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team Thursday evening at Engelmann Field. The Badgers (7-8-2), who came in ranked No. 33 in the RPI index and in the mix for the Big Ten title this campaign, ended the Panthers (3-12-2) regular season schedule with their ninth one-goal defeat of the year.

Freshman goalkeeper John Shakon played brilliantly in goal, making six saves - including several high-quality stops - but in the end it was Delgado's strike that ended it late in regulation.

"I am proud of the guys," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "We really came out and fought hard. It was a great atmosphere - I thought the guys played for each other; they played for the fans. I think they did a really good job of preparing themselves. That is what we are going to need going forward. This is a great game to prepare us for the conference tournament."

Shakon came up big all game to keep Milwaukee in it. He made a fantastic save on a breakaway attempt from Bryan Gerster in the 80th minute and stopped Gerster again just 18 seconds later. That followed an impressive stop at the post in the 72nd minute as well.

"He's [Shakon] been great all season," Coleman said. "He`s a guy that you can count on back there. We just allowed too much pressure at the end and they took advantage of an opportunity."

Delgado finished off a Badger run at the 88:47 mark, as he was able to corral a loose ball in the box, sending a 12-yarder to the far post through traffic in front of Shakon.

The Panther offense had a tough night, ending with eight shots, forcing UW keeper Alex Horwath to make just one save for the shutout.

For the match, the Badgers recorded advantages of 18-to-8 in shots, 7-to-1 in shots on target and 6-to-4 in corner kicks.

That wraps up the regular season for Milwaukee, who will have to do some scoreboard watching Saturday to see if and when they play next. The Panthers are currently the No. 6, and final, seed in next week's Horizon League Tournament. They can still be knocked from postseason play by Wright State, who plays at league-leading Butler Saturday afternoon.