Despite being out-possessed, outshot and having two of the game’s 13 corners, the Milwaukee Panthers earned a 4-1 victory against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies Saturday afternoon at Engelmann Stadium.
The Panthers improved to 5-2-3 on the season and 1-2-1 in Horizon League action.
Oakland started the game on the front foot, but in the 19th minute, the Panthers struck gold. A long free kick from defender Mitch Goodman found the head of forward Mesfin Roda who laid the finishing touch. Roda lifted his header above Oakland keeper Alex Flowers which bounced into the back of the net.
Milwaukee doubled their advantage in the 37th minute after a lightning-fast attack. The goal started from keeper Daniel Ibarra whose kick found a sprinting Alejandro Martinez down the left wing. After a few forward touches, Martinez cut the ball back into the box and Asher Ozuzu headed the ball into the bottom left corner.
The Panthers went into the half with a 2-0 lead.
Oakland struck back in the 64th minute from a thundering strike into the far post by Abdul Al-Rashed, who was played through on the left flank by Julian Kanzler.
Milwaukee freshman Ryan Berghauer put the Panthers back in the driver’s seat in the 75th minute. Roda delivered the ball to Berghauer who laid into a volley that ended in the back of the net.
Just over five minutes later, the Panthers would score their final goal of the day. Ozuzu scored his second goal of the afternoon after rifling a low shot past Flowers. Midfielder Daiki Kumakawa earned the assist.
The Panthers finished the match with a 4-1 victory.
The Golden Grizzlies had a 21-9 advantage in shots after the 90 minutes. Milwaukee keeper Daniel Ibarra made eight saves on the afternoon.
Throughout the season, Milwaukee’s defense has been a freshman-heavy group. Mitch Goodman, Jack Wagner and Ryan Berghauer all started against the Golden Grizzlies. Breon Jarvis played 41 minutes off the bench.
“They play well above their years,” said senior midfielder David Cox. “They don’t really look like freshman; they don’t really play like freshman, which is a really good sign.”
Head coach Kris Kelderman did not relinquish his praise of the young defenders.
“They came in here from day one and showed that they can get it done,” said Kelderman. “Jack Wagner has been probably the most consistent, steadiest player that we have. He’s been excellent.”
Up next for the Panthers is an inner-city clash with Marquette. The Panthers hope to win their second cup of the year, the Milwaukee Cup.
“It’ll be an interesting game,” said Cox. “It’s a really fun environment… excited for the young guys to have a chance to experience playing in front of a pretty big crowd.”
The matchup takes place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Marquette.
“It doesn’t matter how the season has been going for either team, it’s always a huge game,” said Kelderman.