The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women’s soccer team kept things rolling with yet another shutout victory. It was the young freshman that got it done early for the Panthers. Freshman Nicole Sperl got the game winner in the 43th minute with the assist coming from another freshman Sarah Talbert.

The Panthers would attack yet again as Kate Megna was taken down inside the box and a penalty kick was awarded in the 67th minute. Senior Joanna Severson took the shot, which goaltender Erin Murray guessed right on but was unable to get to as it snuck just inside the post. The Panthers wouldn’t let up all game forcing Valparaiso goaltender Erin Murray to make five saves on the night.

The goal by Talbert was just the icing on the cake and would be all the Panthers would need to cruise to a 2-0 victory. The match was controlled by Milwaukee from the start. Valparaiso was only able to get off seven shots to UWM’s 16. The Crusaders were only able to send one shot at UWM goaltender Erin Kane who picked up yet another shutout.

Head coach Michael Moynihan stated after the game, “We were never really threatened and were able to get everyone that was healthy into the game. This late in the season, it's good to get everybody more experience and rest some of our other players."

The Panthers are looking to return to the NCAA tournament for the third-straight season behind strong goaltending and outstanding play from some key freshman this season. If they hope to accomplish that however they will have to finish the season strong and pick up some key home victories along with a huge trip to College Station to finish off the season.

Up next for the Panthers will be three-straight league home matches at Engelmann Field. Then the Panthers will head out to College Station to face off against a tough Big 12 opponent in the Texas A&M Aggies.

The Aggies (10-2-1) are coming off a huge upset win over the No.1 team in the nation, Texas. This will be a huge test to see where the Panthers are at. This game could prove to be a huge momentum builder if the Panthers can come away with a victory against the Aggies.

If the Panthers are going to stop the Aggies they will have to shut down the Big 12 leader in goals, senior Ashlee Pistorius with 70 all-time. Milwaukee must not look ahead to that game, and focus on those three home games with Loyola, Cleveland State and Wright State. Moynihan will have his Panthers ready to take the field this week and finish strong and hopefully make some noise in the NCAA tournament.

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