HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Milwaukee men's soccer team came through with a big second half, scoring three times to open up a close game and go on to record a 4-1 victory over Northern Kentucky Saturday afternoon at NKU Soccer Stadium.
 
The Panthers (7-4-4, 3-3-1 Horizon League) got a goal and assist from both Alejandro Martinez and Mesfin Roda to top the Norse (2-5-7, 1-2-4 Horizon League) and pick up three very important points in the Horizon League standings race and move into a tie for fourth place for the time being.
 
"A very pleasing result and performance today," head coach Kris Kelderman said. "We went into the game knowing what was at stake. Points are pretty precious in the Horizon League this season. It's always a little bit harder on the road and we haven't had the greatest record away from home this season but the guys came prepared. I think it was a fairly complete game for us. I thought we got stronger as the game went on. We had opportunities to score a couple other goals as well, which was very pleasing to see."
 
A scoreless affair until deep into the first half, the MKE offense took a bit to get going. After just three shots through the first 40+ minutes, the team found a goal and the lead, taking momentum into the locker room.
 
Martinez started his own scoring play, taking the ball from near midfield all the way into the attacking third. He then played a give-and-go with Bienvenu Djunga, one-timing the perfect return pass into the back of the net for his eighth goal of the season at the 40:54 mark.
 
The Panthers then went ahead in the 58^th minute, coming off a free kick. Roda sent perfect service to the front of the goal, where Jack Wagner was waiting to blast a header inside the near post for his first collegiate goal and the 2-0 advantage.
 
Djunga and Martinez had solid chances on a run to goal in the 61^st minute, only to see back-to-back impressive saves by NKU keep it a two-goal affair.
 
The next goal came from the back, with Stu Sain playing a perfect ball over the top to Martinez. He raced into goal, laying off a square ball to Roda to beat the NKU keeper for his fourth goal of the fall in the 68^th minute.
 
Wagner played a role on the next score very quickly, getting fouled in the box to set up an MKE penalty kick. Daiki Kumakawa delivered from the spot for his first of the season at the 68:44 mark.
 
"Overall, a very good team performance, led by a number of very good individual performances," Kelderman said. "It was a well-balanced attack. It was good to see our guys step up on the road in what is crunch time, against an opponent that was fighting for points as well."
 
In goal, Daniel Ibarra played very well, recording a trio of saves. He made a nice diving stop early in the 28^th minute and tipped a ball up-and-over the crossbar in the 74^th that would have snuck in. Nolan Meyer was also called upon after an early injury suffered by Ibarra, making one save in a scoreless 8:49 of action before Ibarra returned.
 
For the day, the Norse picked up the slight 14-12 edge in total shots, with MKE the 7-5 advantage in shots on goal. The home team also had six of the eight corner kicks. Martinez led the way for the Panthers with four shots.
 
Up next, the Panthers will wrap up the home portion of the regular-season schedule hosting IU Indianapolis Friday. Game time, which will also be "Senior Night", is set for a 5 p.m. kickoff.