MaCOMB, Ill. - A penalty kick in the 70th minute decided a scoreless battle and helped hand Western Illinois University a 2-0 defeat of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team Tuesday afternoon.
 
Charlie Bales sent the free kick into the back of the net at the 69:26 mark, essentially deciding the outcome in the defensive battle on a windy day at Alumni Field.
 
The Leathernecks (6-4-1) would add a late 90th-minute goal on the counter attack after the Panthers (3-7-2) were pressing for a final chance at sending the match into overtime. The loss snapped what was a five-game winning streak by UWM in the series.
 
Western and Milwaukee both came out of the gates quickly in the first half, as both teams combined for seven shots in the first 15 minutes of the match.
 
The final five minutes of the opening period saw four shots and four saves between the two teams, but no goals, as halftime would hit with the game still scoreless.
 
The PK was awarded in the 70th minute after a Milwaukee defender pulled down a Leatherneck in the box. Bales netted his fourth spot kick in the past three games and WIU made it stand up.
 
The Panthers gave it a go, including an 85th-minute header that needed saving by freshman Petter Ingebrigtsen and an 89th-minute attempt by junior Declan Rodriguez that went just wide.
 
Rodriguez finished with a season-high five shots. Senior Laurie Bell added four, including three that were on target.
 
It's a big game for Milwaukee next, hosting Belmont Saturday in a key affair in the Horizon League standings. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Engelmann Stadium.

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