Picking up two victories this weekend was not enough for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women’s soccer team — they wanted two shutout victories. UWM recorded victories against Cleveland State at Engelmann Field Friday and against Butler in Indianapolis Sunday.

In its game against Cleveland State (0-11), UWM (5-4-2) dominated, winning 3-0. UWM led in shooting 33-3 and kept the ball out of its defensive zone most of the game.

Sophomore Ginny Graczyk scored the first goal, which turned out to be the game winner. Graczyk was awarded a penalty kick after a Cleveland State hand ball in the penalty area. She easily directed the ball left of the keeper for the goal.

“The way we’re playing, we could have scored more if we had been more efficient with our finishing,” said head coach Michael Moyihan said. “This week, we worked on capitalizing on what we were given more often, rather than playing only directly at them. I am happy with three goals today.”

Once the second half began, UWM really began to dominate defensively, shutting down any advance Cleveland State had. UWM kept the ball out of their defensive half for nearly 11 minutes.

UWM was able to use its defense to assist the offense and added another goal to make the score 2-0 on a redirection goal from senior Andrea Kramer.

Finally, UWM added another goal in the last minute from sophomore Pam Shipway. Freshman goalkeeper Erin Kane recorded another shutout.

Shutting out Butler

Riding high after its third straight win, UWM was confident about Butler. This game however, would not be as easy.

In the first half, UWM showed some solid attacks and outshot Butler 10-3. Butler only had one real scoring threat in the entire game and UWM’s Graczyk cleared the ball to safety.

Before the first half ended, UWM got on the board in the 51st minute with a goal from Shipway. The play started at midfield and eventually junior Brenda Neigbauer got a foot on it.

Neigbauer sent a cross pass to Shipway and she finished it for the game-winner. Kane received her second consecutive shutout after facing four shots on goal. She did not face any shots on goal Friday.

“We played two conference teams this weekend and got two shutouts, which is big,” Graczyk said. “Our defenders were well organized and kept them from getting to our goalie.”

UWM plays host to Wright State at Engelmann Sunday starting with a noon kickoff.

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