MILWAUKEE – Goals from Joshua Kidder and Vuk Latinovich were enough to send the Milwaukee men's soccer team past Northern Kentucky, 2-1, Saturday night at a rainy and windy Engelmann Stadium.
 
The Panthers (8-6-1, 2-3-1 Horizon League) had to prevail against the Norse (4-10-1, 2-5-0 Horizon League) and the weather, with a driving rainstorm and strong winds present from start to finish.
 
"We knew going into tonight that this was a very, very big game for us," head coach Kris Kelderman said. "We are in a situation where points are necessary and the guys knew it. We had to adjust and play a bit differently based on what the night called for weather-wise, but it was a great effort. The guys fought, but at the same time I thought the quality of soccer in dealing with the elements was pretty good too."
 
With both teams badly needing the three points in the Horizon League standings, MKE struck first after its offense found quick footing to start the contest. The Panthers recorded the first three shots on the night and then found the back of the net on the fourth.
 
After taking possession past misfield, Evan Conway found Abdu Regassa streaking down the right wing. Regassa's attempt was wide and appeared to be heading over the endline, but Kidder had other plans. He took one touch and found a way from a tough angle, netting his first of the season at the 12:32 mark.
 
"We got off to a really good start," Kelderman said. "We were talking on the bench amongst the staff – I was pleasantly surprised how sharp we were as far as control and possession with the weather and everything."
 
Latinovich provided what turned out to be the game-winner, coming on a free kick after a foul in the 64^th minute. He sent a ball on frame with pace, with the NKU getting a hand on, but not enough to stop, for his fifth goal of the campaign.
 
"It was nice to see things bounce our way," Kelderman said. "I feel like we have experienced some unfortunate plays that didn't go our way throughout the season, but this one did. Saying that, we had some other opportunities. The guys up front worked hard. We had some other chances where we could have scored again."
 
Freddy Lorenzen just missed another shutout, settling for the three-save victory after NKU found a late goal. He made a great save in the first half, using a full-out dive to push a shot just wide of the post in the 37^th minute.
 
"That (the team defensive effort) is all stuff that we take a lot of pride in," Kelderman said. "That's team defense. Obviously, with our keeper and defenders doing a really good job, but the guys in the midfield and the pressure we have up front – it has been great team defense."
 
Kidder nearly had a second goal, seeing his diving header off a well-placed pass from Regassa saved at the line in the 68^th minute. Latinovich almost had a second as well, and it was nearly a carbon copy. This time, his free kick was pushed up and over the bar at the last second in the 71^st minute.
 
For the game, NKU grabbed the 12-to-11 advantage in shots, with Milwaukee the slim 5-to-4 edge in shots on goal. The visitors also earned nine of the 14 corner kicks. Regassa and Latinovich finished with a team-best three shots apiece.
 
Just two games remain in the regular season schedule, with a road trip to Michigan up next. Milwaukee travels to take on league-leading Oakland Saturday, set to kick off at 6 p.m. CST.

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