March 31, 2008

MILWAUKEE - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team was back in spring action over the weekend, heading to Macomb, Ill., for a match against Western Illinois. The Panthers and Leathernecks played to a 0-0 tie Saturday afternoon.

Milwaukee had the run of play on the day, but was unable to finish any of its chances in recording its second scoreless draw of the spring. Saturday also marked the first time that the Panthers were able to play on a full-size field this spring.

"We did a good job creating opportunities and being active in the offensive third," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "We just didn't finish off the attack. We worked very hard on the day and didn't allow Western too many chances on our goal."

The defense for the Panthers was very organized and stifled the Leathernecks forwards all match.

"I think they were frustrated when they failed to mount a real attack on our goal in the first half," Coleman said. "Our back line was very composed and didn't allow Western to get behind us."

Juniors Ryan Germann and Grant Fernstrum each played a half in goal for the Panthers and did well to keep the ball out of the back of the net. Fernstrum saved the only clear-cut chance of the game for Western by getting across his own goalmouth and deflecting the ball off his chest. Defensively, it was a good performance from the Panthers all day.

"Fernstrum was quick to get across and shut down the opposite winger," UWM assistant coach and goalkeeping coach Chris Dadaian said. "He cut the angle and made himself big."

UWM is back in action April 19th at Concordia University, playing the host Falcons at 10 a.m. and also against NCAA D-III foe UW-Whitewater at 11:45 p.m.