MILWAUKEE - Vuk Latinovich's penalty kick goal wasn't enough for the Milwaukee men's soccer team to overcome an early deficit against UIC Saturday night at Engelmann Stadium.
 
Jesus Perez scored twice in the first six minutes for the Flames (2-5-1, 1-2-0 Horizon League), proving to be the difference in a 2-1 loss at home for the Panthers (3-4-2, 0-3-0 Horizon League).
 
"We got off to a poor start," UWM head coach Kris Kelderman said. "Granted, the two goals by UIC were great shots, but we looked flat. They came energy; with more fight and it showed. They were all over us the first 20 minutes."
 
In only the fourth minute, the Flames capitalized off a Panther turnover where Perez snuck in a shot just inside the right post from a tough angle to gain a 1-0 advantage.
 
Less than three minutes later, Perez had another shot find the back off the net off a turnover to quickly double the lead for UIC.
 
The Flames had an opportunity to make it a 3-0 game in the 28^th when Panther goalkeeper Freddy Lorenzen left his post to punch out a crossing chance for the Flames. The ball found its way to Jose Fuentes for UIC, but he couldn't put a shot on net right away which gave Lorenzen an opportunity to retreat back and make a nice save by the near post.
 
Just before the half came to a close, Reid Stevenson took a pass inside the penalty area and was dragged down by a UIC defender, resulting in a Panther penalty kick. Latinovich took full advantage of the opportunity and beat the keeper to bury his second goal of the year and cue the deficit in half at the 44:11 mark.
 
"I thought we were much better in the second half than the first, but again we've been struggling to score goals all season long and when you go behind, you're in trouble." Kelderman said.
 
Early in the second half, the Flames were given another open net opportunity after Lorenzen couldn't clear a ball in his box. Luckily for the Panthers, Jonathan Stadler made a great defensive play to deflect a UIC shot away.
 
The Milwaukee attack pressed on but could not find the equalizer. The 82^nd minute saw a chance with a solid Sean Reynolds' header on a corner kick, but Sawyer Jackman was there to preserve the lead for UIC.
 
On the night, Milwaukee led with 13 shots opposed to 10 for the Flames. Milwaukee also was awarded all four corner kicks in the match. Nick Moon paced the offense with four shots. Lorenzen finished with one save.
 
The next matchup for the Panthers features Marquette, with the "Milwaukee Cup" on the line at Engelmann Stadium Tuesday. Game time is set for 7 p.m. and will feature a live broadcast by Spectrum Sports.
 
It is "Wear Milwaukee Night", with fans wearing Milwaukee gear receiving $1 admission. The first 250 students in attendance will also receive free UWM soccer socks. In addition, the Milwaukee Athletic Department is also teaming up with the UWM Student Association to help build a donation base for the opening of the UWM Food Pantry. Fans of the Panthers can also get $1 admission by bringing along a food pantry donation.