DETROIT, MICH. – The Panthers failed to put the ball in the net once again on Saturday afternoon, making it the sixth time in seven games that Milwaukee has not scored a goal in a 1-0 loss to Detroit at Titan Field.
As has been the case for much of the offensive slump, the road squad was aggressive and created many opportunities. However, Milwaukee could not cash any of them in.
Neither team could get anything going offensively in the first half, but both were assertive. Panthers’ goalkeeper Agustin Rey made two key saves in the 18th and 20th minutes off of a Titans’ break and a loose ball, respectively.
Milwaukee created two chances after those key stops. Midfielder Declan Rodriguez got a break of his own but missed just wide and defender Jonathan Stadler tried a header that just missed the right post.
After the scoreless first half, Detroit would strike 15 minutes in. Titans’ defender Tyler Moorman sneaked a shot in off of a few teammate volleys after it appeared as if Rey was screened off.
photo: mkepanthers.com
The Panthers created a few opportunities in the final 30 minutes. Perhaps the two most notable were in the 78th and 82nd minutes. Midfielder Magnus Flaatedal hit a shot that went just wide off a head pass from Rodriguez for the first opportunity. Next, four minutes later, forward Zach Stevenson, who finished with seven shots and has been the team’s top offensive player the past two games, hit a free kick from 25 yards out that was saved by Titans’ goalkeeper Nat Steinwascher.
From there, the home team was able to hold on for the one-goal victory. It was Milwaukee’s 10th loss of the season.
The Panthers outshot Detroit, 20-9, including a 6-4 edge for shots on goal. Milwaukee finished with two more corner kicks, and the Titans committed 20 fouls to the Panthers’ 19 in a very physical battle.
Milwaukee finishes the regular season at home vs. Horizon League newcomer Northern Kentucky on Senior Night at 7 p.m.