Auburn, Ala. - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee battled hard all match long but just couldn't find the back of the net as they fell to No. 18 Auburn at AU Soccer Complex Sunday afternoon.

UWM (2-6) dominated the first half and outshot the Tigers 6-1 in the opening frame, but a pair of second-half goals doomed the Panthers and gave Auburn (6-2) the win.

"I'm very pleased with how we played today," Milwaukee head coach Greg Henschel said. "In the first half, we were very unfortunate to not have the lead going into the locker room and, to see this team take the steps forward following Thursday night's difficult match, that was very encouraging to see.

"These was by far the most difficult circumstances we've faced as a team this season, with Thursday's match, having to travel and then the heat today. We were a little fatigued in the second half and that showed, but seeing how hard we fought and pushed a good Auburn team to the limit, we're getting closer and closer to where we want to be."

Milwaukee nearly grabbed the lead in the first seconds of the game. Kelly Lewers threaded a perfect ball through the Tiger defense for Morgan LaPlant. With the keeper rushing at her, LaPlant took one touch and fired but her shot went inches wide.

The Panthers continued to push and dominate possession in the first 45 minutes.

Krissy Dorre got around the defense and had a crack from distance but the shot went just over the crossbar midway through the half.

Then, Sydney Senn used some fancy footwork to get around her defender and create some space but her left-footed shot was just saved at the near post. 

Milwaukee's offense was firing on all cylinders, helped largely by the play of the UWM defense. Going up against a potent Auburn attack that already has 10 different goal scorers on the season, the Panthers completely shut down the Tigers in the first half, helped largely by the play of senior Caity Bestwina against Auburn's top forwards.

"Defensively, we are miles ahead of where we were at this time the past two seasons," Henschel said. "Our defense was up against a strong, physical attacking team today and they went toe to toe with them."

Auburn caught a lucky break to start the second half, however. Samantha Solaru winged a ball into the box that took an awkward deflection and trickled into the back of the net off a UWM defender for an own goal just two minutes into the second half.

The Panthers refused to quit, though, and nearly answered right back. Slowly working the ball forward, Amy Kauffung sent a cross in from the right and Vienna Behnke was on the back end but her sliding shot banged off the post to keep UWM off the board.

With Milwaukee pushed hard for the equalizer late in the game, AU was able add a very late goal on a breakaway to give seal the game.

Paige Lincicum came up big numerous times, making four saves in facing 13 shots.

For the game, Auburn outshot Milwaukee, 13-8. AU had a 5-1 edge in corners and were whistled for 11 fouls to UWM's five.

Milwaukee now turns its attention to Loyola, who it will play Thursday night at 7 p.m. in Chicago.

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