MILWAUKEE – Mackenzie Schill scored the golden goal in the 105^th minute, sending the Milwaukee women's soccer team to a thrilling 1-0 victory in double-overtime over Marquette Sunday night at Engelmann Stadium.
 
The Panthers (7-1) finally broke through against the Golden Eagles (2-4) at the 104:26 mark, with Schill in the right place at the right time to net the game-winner.
 
"I think it was a great competitive environment," head coach Troy Fabiano said. "I'd like to thank our fans that came out, because that is a great atmosphere for both sides."
 
Milwaukee dominated the majority of the contest, outshooting Marquette by a final count of 20-to-9. MKE also had all nine of the corner kicks in the contest, with the final one producing the only goal of the night.
 
"We had some chances," Fabiano said. "Sometimes, in a derby like this, it's so close and the emotions were really high. We wanted to settle things a little bit and we created some chances. But you look at it, a set piece, a scrum, and we are fortunate to put the ball in the back of the net."
 
Gaby Schwartz sent the corner kick in front of goal, seeing it get knocked down in front. Julia Barajas kept the ball alive, finding McKaela Schmelzer at the post. The keeper saved Schmelzer's attempt, with the ricochet bouncing right to Schill, who redirected it into the back of the net to set off the team celebration on the field.
 
The goal was the third of the season for Schill and a fitting end to a game that saw the Panthers come close to a winner on numerous occasions, especially late.
 
Barajas had one of the closest calls, using a give-and-go with Haley Johnson to get free down the middle. Her close-range shot in the 87^th minute looked to be past the MU keeper, but Maddy Henry corralled it just before crossing the end line to send the game to extra time.
 
It was another corner in the 102^nd minute that sent a crowd into a frenzy, only to see Maggy Henschler's far-post left-footed volley get blocked away at the last second.
 
Schill finished with a game-high five shots on the evening, just missing a score in the 65^th minute when she nearly finished another pass from Johnson in front.
 
The Panthers opened things up after a pretty even first half, outshooting the visitors by a slim 6-to-4 advantage. The second half saw MKE post a 9-to-4 lead in shots, with the Panthers also recording five of the six shots taken in the overtime periods.
 
Elaina LaMacchia was credited with three saves in recording her first solo shutout of the season and the ninth of her collegiate career. She made a brilliant save as the first half wound down, diving to grab a low shot at the post in the 39^th minute.
 
"I thought we were pretty good defensively in keeping them in front of us," Fabiano said. "We just continued to tell the players, 'keep working, keep working' and try to find one."
 
In addition to the large shot margin, MKE also used a 7-to-3 edge in shots on goal to prevail. Schill topped the squad with five, while Johnson and Barajas each finished with three. Katrine Wetherell had three of Marquette's nine shots, with Henry finishing with six saves.
 
The win extends Milwaukee's unbeaten streak to 27 straight at home in regular-season play (25-0-2).
 
Up next, the team closes out the five-game homestand with the Horizon League opener, hosting Detroit Mercy Friday. Game time is set for 7 p.m. from Engelmann Stadium.

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