Anderson records first career shutout

It was not their best performance, but the Milwaukee Panthers got the job done. For the first time since 2005 the Panthers are unbeaten through the first three games of the season with a 2-0 victory over Bowling Green. This was the second and final game for the Panthers as part of the 39th Panther Invitational, but we will have to wait and see till after the Marquette versus Drake game if they are able to hold onto the title for a third consecutive year.

“I was really pleased with the effort that the guys put in today. Our style of play, our possession was really good,” said head coach Kris Kelderman. “We were sharp – the only thing that was missing was being a little sharper in front of the goal with our chances. But overall, I was very pleased with our performance today.”

The Panthers came out strong today. While they struggled with their execution, the Panthers broke though in the 34th minute when Rami Younes dribbled across the top of the 18-yard box and sent a bomb to the near post. At the end of the first period the Panthers were up 1-0, and were dominating the possession. They had 11 of the 14 shots and four of the five corner kicks.

When asked about the Panthers lack of execution in the first half Rami Younes said, “We have to shoot more, hit on target. We play to much touch, we have to shoot.”

Nothing changed for the Panthers in the second half as they controlled the possession again, but would fail to capitalize on almost all of their chances. Their one exception came in the 60th minute when Laurie Bell scored on a penalty kick, his second goal of the season.

“Both games we got a good number of shots. That is something to build on. We have to do more with those chances, but at least we are creating some,” said Kelderman.

The Panthers had many chances today with 21 shots compared to the Falcons five, and it is just a matter of time till the Panthers can gel and capitalize on more of their opportunities. Although the offense still has some room to improve, Liam Anderson has been exceptional this season.

The freshman goalkeeper recorded his first collegiate shout out today, and has only allowed two goals overall. His exceptional play through the first two games even earned him Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week.

“The backline is mainly seniors, and they have been here for a while. They are all doing a really good job,” said Anderson. “I don’t do that much. I have been there when we need it. A lot of credit to the backline.”

The defense has been very strong this season and deserves all the credit with Anderson at the top of the list. Although he only made three saves today, two of them were ones that were close to being goals. He is a young player who is already having himself a great start to his Panther career, and will only be getting better from here.

“He is a very composed person for a young player. He has had a great weekend and we are excited about him. He is a guy who is only going to get better,” said Kelderman. “The guys in front of him, defensively have done a good job and our team defense has been solid the entire weekend.”

The defense and Liam Anderson have done a great job to start the season, but the team, as a whole needs to continue to get better.

“It’s still a work in progress. I told the guys to be excited about the performance thus far, but we have a ways to go,” said Kelderman.

The Panthers will continue to get better with more experience and time together on the field. This is only the third game of the season with seven new starters, and it is a work in progress. There next game will be at DePaul on Friday evening, where they will try to continue their winning ways, and improve on their first three games of the season. It should be a fun and competitive game against these two schools, but look for the Panthers to play their best game of the season, and secure a win on the road.