CHICAGO, Ill. - Anna Smalley scored three goals and the Milwaukee women's soccer team extended its record season-opening unbeaten streak to 11 games with a 4-1 victory over UIC Saturday evening at Flames Field.
 
The Panthers (10-0-1, 2-0-0 Horizon League) netted a pair of goals in each half against the Flames (2-9-0, 0-2-0 Horizon League), using a 13-3 advantage in shots after halftime to put the victory away.
 
"Tonight we faced a very determined team that challenged us in nearly every facet of the game," Milwaukee head coach Troy Fabiano said. "At the half we spoke about settling down and gaining more possession and creating and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. I thought the team responded well in a difficult environment and we were able to pick up a big win on the road."
 
Smalley started things early, finding the back of the net at the 8:31 mark off an assist by McKaela Schmelzer.
 
The lead did not last long, as UIC found the equalizer in the 16^th minute. Tied at 1-1, the Flames actually became the first team to hold an even scoreline with the Panthers this season outside of a scoreless 0-0.
 
In fact, things nearly went to intermission in that deadlock before Smalley struck again. She finished a cross from Saebryn Peel to give UWM the 2-1 advantage just 23 seconds before the halftime horn.
 
The teams went into the locker room with seven shots each.
 
From there, it was all Milwaukee. The Panthers posted a +10 advantage in the second half (13-3) in shots, going ahead, 3-1, at the 59:54 mark when Aubrey Krahn netted her sixth of the season, finishing a nice run and pass from Lourdes Onwuemeka – who recorded her Horizon League-leading sixth assist of the season.
 
Smalley sealed the deal with an unassisted goal in the 89^th minute, recording her sixth, seventh and eighth goals of the season to take over the league lead. She became the 19^th player in program history to score at least three goals – also marking the second hat trick of her career (also 9/14/16 against Chicago State).
 
For the game, UWM doubled up the Flames in shots at 20-to-10, including 9-to-1 in shots on target. Smalley fired off a game-high seven by herself, while Onwuemeka finished with four.
 
Up next, Horizon League play continues with a Wednesday night contest against Green Bay. The matchup at Engelmann Stadium will get underway at 7 p.m.