No. 12 South Carolina Outlasts Panthers

September 1, 2014

Columbia, S.C. - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team had two golden chances on the attack but just couldn't find the back of the net in a 2-0 loss to 12th-ranked South Carolina at Stone Stadium Sunday in the final contest of the Garnet and Black Classic.

UWM (1-3-0) was incredibly unlucky on offense, having a penalty kick saved in the game's opening minutes and hitting the post later on in the contest.

South Carolina (4-0-0) has not given up a goal this season.

The Panthers finish the tournament tied with Boston University for second place in points with three, but finish third overall based on goals allowed.

Rachael Van Keulen and Morgan LaPlant were both named to the all-tournament team.

"I'm disappointed with the result but I'm very encouraged by our potential," Milwaukee head coach Greg Henschel said. "Our passing and our defending really improved this weekend and those are positives that we'll take away heading into our home opener."

Milwaukee looked to have caught an early brake when Vienna Behnke was taken down in the box in the 11th minute. Sophomore Maria Stephans confidently struck the PK but South Carolina keeper Sabrina D'Angelo - one of the best keepers in the nation - guessed right and made a full-extension dive to keep the Panthers off the board.

Down 1-0, UWM was again unlucky not to find the back of the net. Morgan LaPlant stole the ball from the SC defense and was dragged down. On the ensuing free kick, Amy Kauffung's shot from just outside the box looked to be going toward the far post but was poked away at the last second by a defender.

Then, in the 87th minute, LaPlant again stole the ball near the box and had a one-on-one chance with the keeper. Cutting across the box, D'Angelo appeared to be beaten as LaPlant rifled her shot it from just inside the 18 but it blasted off the post.

Sophie Groff scored both goals for the Gamecocks, who outshot UWM 16-4 on the day.

Paige Lincicum made five saves and was a key player all day long against one of the top teams in the nation.

The Panthers finally return home for their home opener, hosting powerhouse Boston College Friday afternoon at 5 p.m.