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Panthers hold on against Northwestern
End non-conference play 8-1-2
By Matt Capristo
We’re one of the top mid-majors, but we’re not happy with that. We want to be up there with the top teams in the country.
It was the boxer vs. the brawler, the sleek Panthers vs. the ferocious Wildcats, but the UW-Milwaukee women’s soccer team was able to hang on to a 2-1 victory over Northwestern University Wednesday night at Engelmann Field.
It started as a battle for position in the midfield as two vastly contrasting styles were in play. The bigger, more athletic Northwestern team went about asserting their will, pushing the smaller Panther players out of the way and charging straight forward. Milwaukee, on the other hand, used superior talent and vision to attack open space and let their midfielders control the flow of the game.
The Panthers were much more successful in the early going. By moving the ball around and spreading out the Northwestern defense the Panthers were able to exploit holes and get some clear shots on goal.
The opportunities were plenty, early and often. An early attack by Panthers sophomore Nicole Sperl found open space and let a strong shot go from 20 yards forcing Wildcat keeper Carolyn Edwards to make a diving parry.
Panther pressure came to fruition in the 20th minute as sophomore Sarah Talbert sent a cross to the far side of the penalty area to a wide open Makenzie Gillaspie, who was able to corral the ball and put it in the far corner for the freshman’s first collegiate goal.
Fireworks really went off in the 44th minute, however. Sperl played a ball deep into the Panthers attacking third that found freshman Sammy Vovos. She in turn made a quick redirection to find freshman sensation Sarah Hagen. Hagen, with space, let a shot go from around 25 yards at the top of the penalty area. With her weak foot she bent a shot that found the upper corner of the far post in what is without a doubt the goal of the year thus far.
“And that was her left foot,” Head Coach Michael Moynihan added chuckling.
At the end of the first half the Panther led 2-0 and had out-shot the Wildcats 12-3. Wildcat keeper Carolyn Edwards was forced to make six saves while Panther keeper Erin Kane had four saves.
The Panthers formation and style of play was more than enough to stifle a dump and chase Wildcats offense. It wasn’t until late in the second half when the Wildcats brought up their cornerbacks and began to place added pressure on the Panthers midfield where they found success.
It was a late substitution by Wildcats coach Stephanie Erickson in the 82nd minute by bringing in four fresh players when they were really able to apply pressure.
The Wildcats attack forced the Panthers to play on their heels for the rest of the game which included giving up a goal off a rebound from Panther keeper Erin Kane. The Wildcats attacked with more fervor then at any point in the game, but it was too little too late.
With this win the Panthers are 5-0-2 in their last seven games against the Big Ten.
“Not many teams in the Big Ten can boast that kind of record,” Moynihan said. “We’re one of the top mid-majors but we’re not happy with that. We want to be up there with the top teams in the country.”
The Panthers end their non-conference slate with a record of 8-1-2 and prepare for Horizon League play. “Conference play is always different,” Moynihan warns. “Anybody can sneak up on you if you don’t play your best.”
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