The 3rd Man In

Milwaukee held scoreless against American

Everyone knew it would be a challenging weekend for the Milwaukee Panthers men’s soccer team as they travelled to the east coast to face two nationally ranked teams in the Capital Cup tournament. After falling to #22 George Mason on Friday, the Panthers looked to return to winning ways against #19 American Sunday afternoon.

Unfortunately, the Panthers were unable to pull off the upset, falling to American 3-0.

Through the first 30 minutes of play, Milwaukee and American went back and forth, each recording a few decent chances. In a span of less than a minute, freshmen Magnus Flattedal and Petter Ingebrigtsen logged shots on goal, but neither attempts were able to get past American’s goalie Dylan Hobert.

In the 33rd minute, American lined up to take a corner kick. Liam Robley kicked it into the box, where Dale Ludwig was waiting for it. From two yards out, Ludwig headed it to give American a 1-0 lead.

The Panthers played well in the first half, earning opportunities to score, but they were unable to connect in the attacking third.

American came out in the second half, and was looking to tack on right away. Ludwig had an opportunity to force Panthers’ goalie Liam Anderson to make a play, but instead he sent his shot wide.

Then in the 53rd minute, American was able to increase their lead to two off of a Milwaukee turnover. Joe Iraola sent a long blast and was able to find the back of the net from 35 yards out.

Reid Stevenson was almost able to cut American’s lead to one less than two minutes later. His first attempt was a header that was blocked, and then he recorded a shot that the goalie was able to make a save on, to keep the Panthers off the board.

American’s Iraola was able to record another impressive goal in the 59th minute. This time it was a long blast from 30 yards out, putting American up 3-0 against Milwaukee.

American outshot Milwaukee 21-to-12, while holding the advantage in corner kicks, 4-to-2.

Liam Anderson returned to goal for the Panthers, recording four saves. Defender Luke Goodnetter was also able to record a save in the 79th minute.

Milwaukee had a difficult weekend against two extremely talented teams. These two opponents showed leading up two their matchups against the Panthers that they possess dangerous offensive attacks and shutdown defenses, and that is how they played.

The Panthers were shutout in both games while allowing a combined five goals between the two contests. These two games were learning experiences for Milwaukee, as now they know what they need to do in order to beat higher level competition.

Conference play is still two weeks away, and with solid veteran experience and an outstanding coach in Kris Kelderman, the Panthers have time to get the little things taken care in order for them to be the top team in Horizon League play.

Up next for the Panthers will be a big matchup against their crosstown rival, Marquette Golden Eagles, for the prestigious Milwaukee Cup on Wednesday evening at Valley Fields.

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