CHARLESTON, Ill. – Evan Conway headed in the game-winner in the first half and Josh Kaye had a goal and assist to lead the Milwaukee men's soccer team to a 2-0 victory over Eastern Illinois Tuesday at Lakeside Field.
 
The MKE Panthers (6-6-1) had plenty of opportunities against the EIU Panthers (4-7-1), dominating the stat sheet and finishing with a final shot count of 20-to-6 on the afternoon.
 
"I was very pleased with the result," head coach Kris Kelderman said. "We have had a tough time of late finishing some opportunities. We were able to put two away today – two very nice goals – and created some other opportunities. It was a good team effort defensively as well, with another shutout."
 
Conway found pay dirt on an impressive header, netting the eventual game-winner at the 31:28 mark.
 
He had a chance to open the scoring earlier, moving on a breakaway opportunity after getting free on a thru ball from Kasper Davidsson. A nice save kept it 0-0 in the 22^nd minute.
 
Theo Campbell started the scoring play out of the back, finding Kaye in space down the left wing. Kaye took one touch and sent service in front of goal, where Conway finished brilliantly for his third goal of the campaign.
 
"It was just a good team, group effort," Kelderman said. "We made a number of changes and the guys that came into the game today that weren't in the original starting lineup definitely helped us and made our team better."
 
Campbell had a couple of good looks to make it 2-0 in the first half, but was thwarted by the EIU keeper each time. The first came on a long ball in the 38^th minute and another came on a counter attack in the 44^th minute.
 
Kaye found the insurance goal in the 64^th minute, blasting home a volley in the box. Vuk Latinovich's free kick gave the keeper problems to start. After he couldn't handle it, Andreas Soerensen took a touch to Kaye, finding the back of the net for his first of the season.
 
Milwaukee held heavy possession the rest of the way, with its best chance to add to the advantage coming late – both by Joshua Kidder.
 
In the 88^th minute, his rocket from the top of the box was pushed just wide with an impressive diving stop. Then, in the 89^th minute, a diving header off a pass from Shawn Azcueta was sent just over the crossbar.
 
In net, Nick Chiappa made his MKE debut, recording the shutout in his first collegiate action. After spending most of the match coming off his line to corral crosses and serves, he made a nice stop in the 85^th minute on the only EIU ball that registered on-target.
 
In addition to the large shot advantage, MKE also had a 7-to-1 edge in shots on goal and 9-to-4 in corner kicks. Conway led the way with five shots.
 
The Panthers are off until Saturday, coming back home to welcome Valparaiso to Engelmann Stadium. Game time against the Crusaders is set for 7 p.m.