Box Score
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MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Sept. 25, 2009) -
Sophomore Sarah Hagen scored two goals and assisted on another and junior Sarah Talbert had two goals of her own to lead the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team to a 5-1 win over Loyola on a rain-soaked Friday night at Engelmann Field.
The Panthers (3-5-3, 1-0 Horizon) scored four goals in the second half to open Horizon League play with a win for the 12th consecutive season. The Ramblers (1-9-1, 0-2-1 Horizon), meanwhile, are winless in three league games.
"That's a good start to the conference season, I thought," UWM Michael Moynihan said. "We got some nice goals and Sarah Talbert really shined in the midfield, she cracked two really good shots. We also were able to get `Apple' (Hagen) going in conference with two goals, so you really couldn't ask for a better start."
Hagen got the scoring started in the 37th minute, 18 minutes after rifling a shot off the post. This time, a ball was played out of the ball to Hagen, who headed the ball outside to sophomore Keara Thompson. Thompson then sent a ball into the middle of the box where Hagen was to finish with a header.
Milwaukee controlled the tempo and possession of the game throughout. In the first half, both teams took time to acclimate themselves to the wet conditions. Early on, Hagen appeared the most adept at the slippery terrain, generating a couple of chances in the first half.
After halftime, the Panthers continued their attack, breaking through for four goals. Talbert scored what proved to be the game-winner in the 63rd minute off an assist from Hagen. Just over four minutes later, she struck again unassisted after intercepting a Loyola pass and blasting a shot from 25 yards out.
Hagen scored again in the 71st minute, again off an assist from Thompson, and junior Nicole Sperl capped the scoring in the 88th minute on a long serve into the box that rolled into the net.
Loyola denied the home team a shutout in the 76th minute when Ashley Funk finished a loose ball in the box to make it 4-1 at the time.
UWM generated a 21-6 shot advantage on the night and had four corner kicks to just one by the Ramblers. Freshman keeper Jamie Forbes made two saves for the Panthers. Her counterpart, Katie Groesch, made four saves in just over 75 minutes. Colleen Dougherty relieved Groesch and played the final 15 minutes in goal.
The Panthers have the rest of the weekend off and return to action next weekend on the road. Milwaukee plays at Butler Friday, Oct. 2, and at Valparaiso next Sunday.