MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee women's soccer team added a pair of second-half goals to solidify the scoreboard in a commanding 3-0 victory over Eastern Illinois Friday night at Engelmann Stadium.
 
The Panthers (2-0-0) dominated the scoresheet in the first half against the visiting Panthers (0-1-1), yet led just 1-0 on a goal by Erin Corrigan.
 
A goal just after halftime by McKaela Schmelzer padded the lead before MKE would add a third in posting another shutout victory.
 
Elaina LaMacchia (84:30) and Olivia Davies (5:30) combined for the shutout in goal, but the Milwaukee backline was so strong that not one of EIU's five shot attempts on the night needed to be saved from going in.
 
The Panthers fired off 19 first-half shots. However, Corrigan's first career goal off a pretty 30-yard free kick at the 26:20 mark was the only one to find the back of the net.
 
Just a few minutes after halftime, Schmelzer found herself alone at the back post on an endline serve from Lourdes Onwuemeka, volleying the pass forcefully into the net for her first goal of the season at the 48:44 mark.
 
The final strike then came in the 66^th minute, with Chandler McDaniel getting free on a quick setup pass from Haley Johnson, finishing nicely to make it 3-0.
 
For the game, MKE cruised to a 26-to-5 advantage in shots, which included an 11-0 tally in shots on goal. The team also recorded a commanding 13-to-4 advantage in corner kicks. Schmelzer finished just one shot off her career-high, firing off a game-best seven on the night. Johnson added five more attempts, finishing with a pair of assists.
 
McDaniel and Jelena Sever had four shots apiece, with Rachel Phillpotts also recording an assist on the third goal.
 
The Panthers nearly scored in the first few minutes and kept up the pressure. Johnson narrowly missed a close-range toe poke that went a few feet wide in the 13^th minute and Schmelzer had a header off a corner kick pushed just over the bar in the 31^st. It was Johnson again trying to add to the lead in the 38^th minute, sending a one-timer just wide of the post on a quality ball into the box from Gaby Schwartz.
 
Sara Teteak made eight saves for EIU, but could not keep Milwaukee from the victory that extended its unbeaten streak to 22 in a row (18-0-4).
 
Up next, the next installment of the crosstown rivalry with Marquette awaits Sunday. The contest is set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Valley Fields.

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