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Trilk
Sarah Twidwell
2
Western Illinois WIU (0-2-0, 0-0-0)
3
Winner Milwaukee MKE (2-0-0, 0-0-0)
Western Illinois WIU
(0-2-0, 0-0-0)
2
Final
3
Milwaukee MKE
(2-0-0, 0-0-0)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Western Illinois WIU 1 1 2
Milwaukee MKE 2 1 3

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | WIU Athletic Communications

Late Goal Lifts Milwaukee In Season Opener

Otsuka and Kirdorf find the back of the net for the Leathernecks

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Western Illinois men's soccer team (0-1) answered each Milwaukee goal in the season opener, but the Panthers (1-0) got the final punch on a late goal to top the Leathernecks 3-2 on Friday (Aug. 30) at Engelmann Stadium.   

"Hard-fought game on the road for us," Director of Soccer Dr. Eric Johnson said. "We had some good moments, but we need to clean some things up defensively. Our effort and level of intensity was good. I am very proud of our team." 

The Panthers fired nine total shots on goal against Tim Trilk in the regular-season opener. The senior came up big multiple times out including saving a penalty kick to keep the match tied 2-2 later in the second half. 

WIU answered the early Milwaukee goal (5') when Michael Howell found Daisuke Otsuka cutting into the box and buried into the bottom left corner at the 21-minute mark to notch the first goal for the Purple and Gold of the 2019 season. 

The Panthers responded two minutes later (23') and took advantage of some miscommunication by the WIU backline to regain the lead 2-1.   

Summit League Player to Watch, Paul Kirdorf tied the season opener 2-2 at the 68-minute mark. After a scramble for the ball inside the box, the midfielder one timed a rocket that sailed into the bottom left corner. 

Milwaukee got the final punch from a header by Jake Kelderman who scored the game-winner off an assist from Kasper Davidsson at the 84-minute. 

Western Illinois continues the Horizon League battle with a match against Green Bay on Sunday (Sept. 1) with kick-off set for noon. 
 
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