MADISON, Wis. – In a defensive battle that featured only nine combined shots by both sides, the Milwaukee men's soccer team came up just short in falling to Wisconsin Tuesday night at McClimon Soccer Complex by a final score of 2-1.
 
The Panthers (2-5-6) had to work hard to overcome an early deficit against the Badgers (4-5-0), but found a great goal in the second half and created the much better chances down the stretch before the home side escaped with the decision.
 
"To give our guys credit, it was a much better second half," head coach Kris Kelderman said. "I thought we played better soccer, our possession improved, our opportunities … I think every aspect in the game clearly improved for our team and that's one thing you want to see from one half to another."
 
The Panthers got in early trouble, allowing a goal on the first UW shot just 7:50 in. It went a step in the wrong direction when the deficit became 2-0 in the 20^th minute.
 
"We dug ourselves a little hole in the first half," Kelderman said. "The first goal, our keeper was screened unfortunately. If he's not, he's likely able to tip that over the crossbar, especially knowing Nic (Diana) like I know him. But the second goal, a guy was left wide open right in front for a goal. To me, that is unacceptable."
 
Down at the break, the offense came out on the front foot. The scoring was opened from the back, with goalkeeper Nic Diana pinging a long ball over the back line. Jack Bretzmann was there to run onto it and finish, getting Milwaukee right back in the match at 2-1 at the 57:55 mark.
 
"In the second half, coming out, we pushed forward more, we had more urgency, the energy picked up too," Kelderman said. "So, the response from going down 2-0 was good from our guys. It was noticeable that we were much better. They only had one shot in the second half. We were playing more balls forward and I think our guys need to accept that we need to do that more – be a little more direct at times because we do have guys up front that can create a few things."
 
As the game wore down, it was the MKE offense with the majority of possession but was unable to connect into anything more than half-chances. Angel Gongora's attempt was saved in the 79^th minute and a pair of late free kicks were not sent back on target.
 
"We talked about it after the game – we need to get off to some better starts," Kelderman said. "Three of the past four games, our first halves have not exactly been stellar. We have to figure this out, because we can't just wait to pull out some plays later in games. But, tonight, we stayed in the match and gave ourselves a chance to get a result."
 
On the night, the Badgers eked out the 5-4 advantage in total shots, as well as the 3-2 edge in shots on goal.
 
Up next, the team returns home Saturday to host Green Bay for the annual battle for the "Chancellor's Cup". Game time against the Phoenix is set for 7 p.m. at Engelmann Stadium.