MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Oct. 5, 2011) – Keara Thompson scored a goal and assisted on another as the No. 12 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women’s soccer team defeated Valparaiso 2-0 Wednesday evening at Engelmann Stadium.

 

Playing without All-American Sarah Hagen, the Panthers (12-1, 4-0 Horizon) got second half goals from Kelsey Holbert and Thompson to push their winning streak to six games. The Crusaders (6-5-2, 2-1 Horizon) lost in league play for the first time this season.

 

“I was very pleased to come away with a victory,” UWM head coach Michael Moynihan said. “First half we didn’t create as many chances as we would have like. In the second half we took over and had the lion’s share of possession and had some good chances.”

 

Milwaukee came out of the gates aggressively and took the play at Valpo early on, generating a couple chances in the game’s first minutes. Play eventually evened out and the teams played a scoreless opening frame.

 

The Panthers then made some halftime adjustments and got on the offensive right at the start of the second half, scoring for the eventual game-winner just 90 seconds into the period.

 

It was Thompson that set up Holbert’s first collegiate score in the 47th minute. A ball was played into the box and Thompson beat Valpo keeper Kristen Manski to the ball, forcing a loose ball. Holbert ran on to the play and finished into the open goal.

 

The Panthers seized momentum at that point, controlling possession for much of the remainder of the contest. Thompson tacked on an insurance goal on a free kick in the 77th minute. Kelly Lewers drew a foul at the top of the box, being taken down just as she was to enter the box. Thompson then booted the set piece far post in the upper corner to make it 2-0.

 

UWM outshot Valpo 18-9 for the game, sending 10 shots on goal. The Panther defense was again up to the task, limiting the Crusaders to few scoring chances. Jamie Forbes took things from there, making three saves for her seventh shutout of the season.

 

Manski got the start for the Crusaders and made four saves. She was injured on UWM’s first scoring play and was replaced by Rachel DeFrank, who also finished with four saves.

 

Hagen, who is among the national leaders in goals (15) and points (34), was not at the game as she attended a training camp for the U.S. U23 National Team in California. It was the first game she has not started in her career.

 

The Panthers return to action Sunday, hosting Youngstown State.