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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Sept. 20, 2009) - Shayla Mutz scored two goals to lead Illinois to a 3-1 win over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team on a rainy Sunday afternoon at Illinois Soccer Stadium.

The Panthers (2-5-3) close out the non-league portion of their schedule with their fifth loss in six games. Meanwhile, the Illini (5-3-1) head into Big Ten play with two-straight Horizon League wins.

"This was a tough (loss), coming off an overtime game Friday against a very good team," UWM head coach Michael Moynihan said. "I think we used up a lot of energy. It looked like were a little bit tired. I thought the first half was a very good game. We gave up a soft first goal and got down early. We responded well and created some very good chances."

Sophomore Sarah Hagen scored her fourth goal of the season for UWM to tie the score at 1-1 midway through the first half, but the Panthers conceded a pair of second half goals in the defeat.

Milwaukee shook off an early Illini goal to knot the score at 1-1 in the 29th minute. Sophomore Makenzie Gillaspie played a beautiful ball past the Illinois defense to Hagen. She took a touch and then was taken down by a pair of defenders just outside the box.

On the ensuing free kick, Hagen found the back of the net, driving a ball to the far post, deflecting off the defensive wall and past Alexandra Kapicka. The momentum swung in the Panthers' favor at that point, as they controlled the possession for much of the remainder of the half.

Illinois got on the board 5:47 into the game on a defensive miscue into the penalty area. Courtney Bell sent the ball into the box and UWM was unable to clear it. Mutz was able to get to the ball and tally her first goal of the game.

After halftime, the Panther offense never quite got on track. Illinois took advantage, holding much of the possession in the second half. Christina Sahley scored what proved to be the game-winner in the 58th minute. Mutz gave the Illini an insurance goal in the 85th minute with her second score of the game.

Despite the 3-1 score, UWM did not relent, generating a couple scoring chances in the closing moments.

For the game, the home team held a 12-8 shot advantage and took five corner kicks, compared to just one by the Panthers.

Freshman Jamie Forbes made four saves for Milwaukee, while her counterpart, Kapicka, finished with two stops.

The Panthers kick off its Horizon League schedule its next time out, hosting Loyola Sept. 25 at Engelmann Field.