It was a thrilling day for the Milwaukee women’s soccer team, as a late goal in the second overtime period from junior Anna Smalley provided a 1-0 victory for the Panthers over the University of Detroit Mercy.
Defense was a large factor in suffocating UDM’s offense. It was Milwaukee’s second shutout in the past three contests and its fifth overall of the season. Anna Mindling – one of the Horizon League’s top scorers at 17 points, was held without a single shot attempt.
As a team, the Titans did not receive much action on the offensive side of the ball. Only two of their eight overall shots found the target. Goalkeeper Mallory Geurts made both of the saves and earned her third shutout of the season.
Milwaukee nearly went ahead in the first overtime on two separate occasions. Callie O’Donnell was alone following a pass from Sydney Senn, but her left-footed boot was denied. The Panthers were unable to corral the loose ball in the net.
Just a few moments later, Maria Stephans took the ball at midfield and dribbled down the left sideline. A pass connected the ball to O’Donnell, who sent her shot just over the cross bar in the 98th minute.
Smalley’s golden goal came after Milwaukee regained possession at midfield. Aubrey Krahn passed the ball to Callie O’Donnell out of a throw in, who then one-touched it to Smalley who was making a run at the goal. Smalley did the rest, weaving through the defender’s slide tackle and chipped the keeper for her seventh goal of the season.
Milwaukee Head Coach Troy Fabiano was proud of how his team performed.
“I am proud that the team was able to bounce back after an overtime loss [Wednesday at Valparaiso] to get a win in overtime,” said Fabiano. “They kept their focus and found a winner.”
The Panthers return to Engelmann a week from today against Oakland. Kickoff is set for 7 pm.