#12 Panthers Rout Western Illinois With Second Half Surge

September 24, 2011

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Sept. 23, 2011) - Laurel Ragalie scored twice as a part of a four-goal second half to lead the No. 12 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer routed Western Illinois, 4-0, Friday evening at Engelmann Stadium.

The Panthers (9-1), who are ranked 12th in the Soccer America national poll and No. 15 by the NSCAA, didn't get the scoring started until a penalty kick in the 54th minute, but were able to tack on three more scores in handing the Leathernecks (6-3) their third loss of the season.

"We made some adjustment as the game went on and I thought in the second half played very well," Milwaukee head coach Michael Moynihan said. "We moved the ball a lot quicker and generated a lot of scoring opportunities. Overall, I'm pleased we made it through the game healthy and I thought we had an emphatic second half."

Sarah Hagen scored what proved to be the game-winner on that PK, finishing with the deciding goal for the third-straight game. She was taken down near the endline in the 54th minute, then stepped up to the penalty spot and converted for her 12th goal of the season.

Hagen assisted on the team's second goal four minutes later, taking a dynamic run through the midfield and crossing a ball through the box from near the endline. Ragalie was there to calmly head the ball past the keeper for a 2-0 lead.

Ragalie struck again in the 67th minute, this time off an assist from Kelsey Holbert. Holbert made a run into the box and slotted a cross to Ragalie, who ran on to the ball and finished at the near post.

Another penalty kick was awarded to the Panthers in the 74th minute. Makenzie Gillaspie stepped up this time and buried the ball into the net for her first goal of the season.

Milwaukee dominated possession throughout the game, taking 31 shots and 13 corner kicks. Unfortunately, UWM could not crack the Western Illinois defense for goals in the opening frame. In the first 45 minutes, the Panthers attempted 16 shots and seven corners, but were held scoreless.

The defense was on point as well, conceding just six shots and one corner kick in the game. Jamie Forbesmade three saves in posting her second-straight shutout and league-best sixth of the season. Victoria Kappel made eight stops to go with the team save for the Leathernecks.

The Panthers stay home for the weekend, hosting Horizon League foe Detroit Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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