#12 Panthers Hold Off Detroit, 2-1Hagen scores game-winner in fourth-straight game

September 25, 2011

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Sept. 25, 2011) - Sarah Hagen scored her fourth-straight game-winning goal to lead the No. 12 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Detroit on a rain-soaked Sunday afternoon at Engelmann Stadium.

The Panthers (10-1, 2-0 Horizon), who are ranked 12th in the Soccer Americanational poll and No. 15 by the NSCAA, won for the fourth-straight time. The Titans (8-4-1, 1-1 Horizon), who are ranked No. 10 in the region, dropped their first league game of the season.

"It was a rough (game)," UWM head coach Michael Moynihan said. "I thought we started well and got an early goal. Detroit really tested us in the first half. I was happy with the way our players stepped up to the physical challenges that Detroit poses. They are a big, physical team. I thought we figured it out in the second half. The chances we created in the second half were the story."

Hagen helped set up Helen Steinhauser's goal in the 10th and broke a 1-1 tie with the winning score in the 67th minute. She now has a league-best 13 goals and 30 points in 11 games this season.

On the first goal, Hagen played a ball outside the box on the near side and Keara Thompson. Thompson settled the ball with one touch and sent a cross to the far post where Steinhauser was to head the ball into the net and make it 1-0.

After Detroit knotted the game at 1-1, Kelly Lewers launched a shot on goal from the corner of the penalty area. Nora Abolins made the initial save, but could not contain the rebound. Hagen ran on to the loose ball and finished it into the back of the net.

The Milwaukee defense had its hands full with a high-scoring Detroit offense. The Titans entered the week in the top 10 of the nation, but the Panthers seemed up to the task. Despite losing a defensive starter to injury in the first half, they limited the visitors to nine shots in the game and Jamie Forbesmade three saves for the win.

Abby McCollum led UDM with the team's lone goal. She took a throw-in and was able to beat a defender near the end line. As she approached the six-yard box, she slotted a ball inside the far post.

The score came in the 59th minute.

Despite surrendering the score, the Panthers overtook the game's momentum and controlled the pace of play the rest of the game. After being outshot 6-4 in the first half, the racked up a 12-3 shot advantage in the second frame and finished with a 16-9 edge for the match.

Nine UWM shots went on goal, forcing Abolins into seven saves.

The Panthers return to action next Saturday at Wright State. Milwaukee and the Raiders kick off at 4 p.m. central time. 

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