MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Aug. 21, 2011) - Kelly Lewers scored 40 seconds into the game and the Panther defense made the lead last as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team rolled to a 1-0 win over DePaul Sunday afternoon at Engelmann Stadium.

Lewers' goal is the second-fastest in school history and gave the Panthers (2-0) the win on a day that the field was dedicated in former head coach Laura Moynihan's honor.

"We got off to a good start," Milwaukee head coach Michael Moynihan said. "It was a very interesting game. It was an emotional day, for me, with the field dedication. There was a lot going on, so I'm glad we made it through it a victory. I got to say all of the things I wanted to say. Kelly Lewers had the first goal and nearly had another that was brought back (by a foul call). She had a great game. Coming in, first game at home, she really showed herself to be a force."

The facility was formally dedicated Laura Moynihan Field at Engelmann Stadium in a halftime ceremony with a number of former players and donors were on hand.

Despite DePaul getting the opening kickoff, Milwaukee wasted little time getting on the scoreboard.Kelsey Holbert sent a ball into the back in the opening minute. The Blue Demon keeper came off her line, but Lewers beat her to the ball, got a foot on it and chipped the ball over her head for a score.

Coming at the 0:40 mark, the score is the second-earliest goal in school history. The fastest goal was byKatie Waltenberger during the 1998 season, when she put UWM ahead 1-0 in just 26 seconds.

Jamie Forbes made three saves for the shutout, including one in which she snared a high shot off a near-side free kick. Her counterpart, Claire Hanold, made nine saves on the game, recovering from the early goal to keep UWM scoreless the remainder of the game.

Milwaukee's offense was held at bay for the final 89-plus minutes of the game, but was not without scoring chances. It put 10 shots on goal on the day, including back-to-back saves by the Hanold in the 45th minute.Keara Thompson played a ball into the box and Sarah Hagen got an initial shot on frame. Hanold came up with the save on that attempt, then pushed Morgan LaPlant's follow-up wide for a corner kick.

The Panthers finished with a 21-9 advantage on shots in the game and 5-1 on corner kicks. Hagen took a game-high five shots, while Holbert, Thompson and LaPlant added four apiece.

The goal and assist were the first of Lewers' and Holbert's careers, respectively. The duo is half of a group of four freshmen that have now started each of the first two games this season. Amy Kauffungand Emily Scott are a part of the UWM defense that posted its first shutout of the season.

This was a second-straight strong outing for a defensive unit that returned only one starter among the four defender positions, goalkeeper and defensive midfield positions.

UWM returns to action next weekend, co-hosting the Milwaukee Cup with crosstown rival Marquette. The Panthers host Long Beach State Friday and St. Louis Sunday. Kickoff Friday is at 7:30 p.m.

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