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MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Sept. 3, 2009) - Marquette scored twice in the first half, but the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer could not find the back of the net in a dominant second half in falling to the Golden Eagles, 2-0, Thursday night in front of a school-record crowd of 1,307 at Engelmann Field.

The loss was Milwaukee's (2-1-2) first since 2006, while its 24-game home unbeaten streak (19-0-3) came to an end. MU (3-1) won at Engelmann for the first time since 2001.

"I liked our response and our energy," UWM head coach Michael Moynihan said. "The crowd was unbelievable. We really packed it in and I wish we could have gotten a result for them."

Michelle Compty scored the game-winner in the 12th minute off a cross from Brittany Bares. The Golden Eagles then got an insurance goal in the 31st minute when Becky Ryan rolled a ball off the far post to make it 2-0. Both goals came off centering crosses, with Rachael Sloan tallying the assist on the second score.

At the break, Marquette held a 9-4 advantage in shots and looked to have the advantage for much of the half.

In the second half, it was all Milwaukee. The Panthers dominated possession and the scoring opportunities throughout the half, but came up short in the goal department. But, it wasn't for a lack of trying. UWM held a 15-2 shot advantage in the frame and had a number of dangerous chances.

"I was very happy with the second half," Moynihan said. "We completely dismantled them. It was as good as I think I have ever seen our team play. You have to give them credit. They fought and scrapped to keep us out of the goal."

Sophomore Sarah Hagen, who finished with a game-high six shots, hit the cross bar squarely in the 75th minute. Junior Sarah Talbert then hit the post in the final minute of regulation. The Panthers had a myriad of other chances, but each ended just off the target.

Marquette's only opportunity of the second half came on a penalty kick try in the 52nd minute. Danielle Martens was taken down in the box. Then, on the ensuing PK, freshman keeper Jamie Forbes dove to her left to stop the shot and keep the game at 2-0.

For the match, the Panthers held a 19-11 shot advantage and 7-3 edge in corner kicks. It was a physical match, with 20 of the 33 fouls going against MU and 13 on Milwaukee.

Forbes finished with three saves, while Natalie Kulla stopped two shots for her third-straight shutout.

Tonight's match was the opening game of the Inn at St. Mary's Classic, hosted by Notre Dame. The Panthers and Golden Eagles will ascend on South Bend, Ind., Sunday for the final games of the tourney. Milwaukee plays No. 2 Notre Dame after Marquette plays No. 1 North Carolina. The Irish and Tar Heels square off Friday.