Recovering from a crushing defeat can be a long and troublesome road for many sports teams. A squad gets demolished, its timing is knocked off, and it may take an entire season to rebound.

Lucky for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women’s soccer team, it took only one game to get back on the right footing.

Coming off a victory in the Hoosier Invitational over Rhode Island, Milwaukee was looking to sweep the tournament and come away with the trophy. However, the host Hoosiers had different plans.

Paced by Carrie DeFreece’s two goals, the Hoosiers capitalized on their opportunities. The two goals were the first let in by sophomore keeper Erin Kane since the Panthers’ defeat at the hands of defending national champion Portland.

The Panthers also had several opportunities in the match. Sarah Teegarden misplaced a header that would have put Milwaukee ahead, and Louise Vraney kicked a shot right into the Indiana keeper’s chest. Indiana went undefeated in the tournament, defeating UWM in the championship game, 2-0.

Back in Brew City for the beginning of the week, UWM headed down to the valley. The cross-town showdown with Marquette was afoot.

On a cool, breezy night last Tuesday, the rain was coming down like the mist tents at State Fair and Summerfest. The field conditions were damp and slippery, and the play on the field showed it. Players from both teams had trouble staying on their feet, and uniforms were covered in mud.

The mud on the field demonstrated how dirty the game was. Plenty of penalty kicks were awarded both teams, and Marquette’s Shannon Cusick drew a yellow card in the 72nd minute. Held scoreless in the first half, Milwaukee was quick to change the 0-0 tie. Teegarden scored in the 50th minute, and a goal by Beth Steuer with 23 minutes to go closed the lid on the coffin for Marquette.

The Panthers’ ace in the keeper box, Erin Kane, was pleased with the squad’s performance.

“All in all I’m just really happy how our team played,” she said. “We dominated the game and finished on our opportunities.”

When asked if the game meant more than the rest, Kane was quick to point out that every match is important, but the Golden Eagles brought out a little more in the Panthers.

“No matter who it is, it’s always a good win when you beat the other team on their home field, even more importantly when that team is Marquette,” she said.

> Comments