MILWAUKEE - Following four games on the road to open 2017, the Milwaukee women's soccer team finally got to play its home opener Friday, and it was more of the same story, as Mallory Geurts recorded her fifth shutout in a row in defeating Western Illinois by a score of 3-0.
 
"They grind away," UWM head coach Troy Fabiano said. "Any time you can go in five games and not give up a goal, it's a great feat. You keep building on it. It's early in the season and you keep building on it – and that's the mindset we always have, that we aren't going to give away chances or opportunities."
 
The Panthers (4-0-1) blanked the Leathernecks (0-4) to become the first team in program history to open the season with five straight shutouts. Geurts made three saves and is now unscored upon in 470 minutes this season.
 
Milwaukee had some early chances but could not capitalize. Maddie Tetzke hit the post from a tough angle in the 17^th minute, with the ball bouncing back for Taylor Tabbert's attempt that went wide.
 
Sydney Senn nearly lofted in the first goal of the night, but a nice leaping save was made by the WIU keeper in the 27^th.
 
UWM finally broke through in the 30^th minute. Kiley Kreple served back in a corner kick played out to her. Her pass found the head of McKaela Schmelzer and was popped into the air. Kelli Swenson was at the far post waiting for it, tapping it home for the 1-0 lead at the 29:06 mark.
 
"We finally started to get some flow to the game and keep the ball," Fabiano said of the first goal. "I think we were pressing a bit with the great crowd that we had. It was awesome to see everyone come out for our home opener."
 
Schmelzer came through to double the lead shortly after, heading in a corner kick from Jen Eberhardy at the 40:15 mark.
 
Milwaukee went into halftime with the 2-0 lead and a 12-to-5 shot advantage, and did not wait long to add to its lead.
 
Aubrey Krahn picked off a backpass in the 51^st minute, beating the goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
 
Fabiano used the opportunity to get 12 different substitutes into the contest. The team ended the evening with a 20-to-13 shot differential, earning eight of the nine corner kicks and whistled for 13 of the 19 fouls.
 
"It's great to get everyone in the game in this environment," Fabiano said. "A couple of things we worked on – corner kicks – it's nice to see us get one [a goal off one], we've had 40 in the first four games and haven't been dangerous at all. And another thing we worked on is turning people over in their end and Aubrey picks it off and stays composed enough to go around the goalie and slot it in."
 
Eberhardy led the team with a career-best five shots; Schmelzer added three.
 
Up next for Milwaukee is a home game against Indiana State Sunday, set to start at 2 p.m.