Panthers Unable To Derail Golden Grizzlies

October 15, 2014

MILWAUKEE - Shawn Claud Lawson scored a pair of goals and Oakland University posted its fourth consecutive shutout in handing the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team a 2-0 defeat Wednesday evening at Engelmann Stadium.
 
The Golden Grizzlies (5-5-1, 4-0-1 Horizon League) extended their winning streak on the season to five games in a row, topping the Panthers (4-8-2, 1-3-1 Horizon League) for the first time since the 2009 season.
 
Claud Lawson found the back of the net early, striking just 2:39 into the match to put Milwaukee in a difficult spot. Goalkeeper Wes Mink did the rest, making five saves to extend his scoreless streak in goal to just short of 400 minutes (399:10).
 
"We've seen this situation more than I would like this year," Milwaukee head coach Kris Kelderman said. "We gave up a goal early on a set piece. But, saying that, there was plenty of time to make up for that and we have to do a better job."
 
UWM did end up with an 11-3 advantage in shots in the second half, but could not break through the Oakland defense. Claud Lawson netted his third of the year in the 71st minute to ice the victory, tapping in a through ball alone in the box.
 
"It looks like Oakland has learned from its tough matches and grown as a team," Kelderman said. "At the end of the day, Oakland was much sharper than us tonight. I give them a lot of credit."
 
The Panthers had some opportunities to equalize. Freshman Nick Moon forced the toughest save of the night in the 48th minute, dribbling through traffic before firing on net from 30 yards out. Mink got a hand on it and forced it over the cross bar for a corner kick.
 
Senior Laurie Bell had a dangerous opportunity on a 25-yard free kick in the 55th minute, but sent the attempt just over the bar.
 
Moon again nearly had the equalizer in the 64th minute, sending a shot from the wing just inches wide of the right post. Senior Kyle Neumann also had a quality header late in the 86th minute, but it was just off the mark as well.
 
UWM ended the night with a 15-11 advantage in shots, with both teams sending five on target and forcing three corner kicks apiece.
 
It's a huge game for Milwaukee next, as it heads to Chicago to take on UIC with important points in the conference standings up for grabs. Kickoff Saturday is set for 7 p.m.

Trending Videos
IMG Academy Top 200/150 Rankings
see full ranking:
Boys Girls