MADISON, Wis. – A goal just three minutes and 15 seconds into the match helped Wisconsin get a jumpstart on its way to a 2-0 victory over the Milwaukee men's soccer team Tuesday night at McClimon Soccer Complex.
 
"It was certainly not an ideal way to start the game,' head coach Kris Kelderman said. "Not exactly sure what happened on the goal, but it somehow squeaked through on the ground and got in."
 
The Panthers (3-3) created plenty of offensive chances in trying to find the equalizer throughout the first period, but an early second-half goal by the Badgers (3-2-3) helped put it away.
 
"In all honestly, I was not real pleased with our effort after the second goal and I told the guys that after the game," Kelderman said "I thought we lost some fight and that's not what I care to be about. We need to learn from this and get ready for the next conference game Saturday."
 
On the night, Milwaukee carried 50 percent of total possession and was edged on the overall shot count just 14-to-13. The team also put more on goal (5-to-4) compared to UW and earned nine of the 16 corner kicks in the match.
 
"No disrespect to the Badgers, because I think they did outplay us – especially in the second half – but I don't think we did very well on either goal," Kelderman said. "I thought we were pretty good in the first half, even though we were a goal down. I thought we were playing pretty well and creating some chances."
 
Wisconsin took advantage of an early corner kick, finding the back of the net in the fourth minute.
 
After gaining their footing, the Panthers established clear momentum and looked to have found a goal. A flurry of offense began in the 21^st minute, with five shots and four corner kicks recorded over the next six minutes.
 
A corner looked to make it a new game, when Andreas Soerensen slotted in a corner kick that was headed to the ground in front by Jake Kelderman. But a foul was called, and the game went on at 1-0 UW.
 
Gijs Van Schouten came up big in the next Badger possession, making a brilliant stop at the post. Paolo Gratton nearly took advantage of a deflection a few minutes later, with his shot from distance nearly finding a way in during the 38^th minute.
 
Wisconsin took a big step on its way to victory in the 56^th minute, converting after a defensive miscue to double the deficit.
 
Milwaukee had a great look late, only to see a diving save from the home keeper prevent Colin Alba's shot from the top of 18 from going in during the 82^nd minute.
 
The Panthers are back home Saturday, welcoming Cleveland State to Engelmann Stadium. Game time is set for 1 p.m.