“To come back from 2-0 down is fantastic.” - Jon Coleman, head coach

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men’s soccer team scored three unanswered second-half goals to defeat cross-town rival Marquette 3-2 Sept. 13.

The Panthers (3-4-0) claimed city bragging rights in front of over 3,000 fans at Engelmann Field.

Louis Bennett, who resigned as the head coach of the Panthers last season only to sign on to head the Marquette coaching staff, made his return to Engelmann Field looking to recapture the Milwaukee Cup.

In the first ever night game under the lights at Engelmann Field, three different Panthers scored in the second half to overcome the two-goal deficit they faced after the break. Junior Andre Francois notched the game-winning goal in the 80th minute on a spectacular diving head ball.

Senior Craig Mallace started the comeback in the 54th minute, lofting the ball over the Marquette keeper just inside the far post. Less than three minutes later, senior Dale Weiler sent a beautiful free-kick into the box where junior Steve Bode collected the ball and blasted it into the back of the net to tie the game at two.

“To come back from 2-0 down is fantastic,” said head coach Jon Coleman. “You can go play individualistic and have players take matters into their own hand, but this is a group of guys who come together when the going gets tough and they played as a team.”

The 3,256 fans shattered Engelmann Field’s previous attendance record by over 1,000. The previous mark was set in 1990 with 2,250 fans in attendance.

The win follows the Panthers’ heartbreaking loss to No. 6 Washington on Sept 10. The Huskies defeated the Panthers 2-1 in overtime. Sophomore Colin Baker scored the Panthers’ only goal, tying the game at one in the 51st minute.

The Huskies prevailed in the 97th minute on a quick free kick that was in the net before any of the Panther players could react. The Panthers disputed, claiming the referee should have blown the whistle to signal the ball in play. The goal stood and the Panthers fell to their third Top 10 team this season.

“It's a tough way to lose,” Coleman said. “But they (Washington) were able to take advantage of the opportunities they were given.”

UWM will head to Madison to take on Wisconsin on Sept. 20.

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