Women’s Milwaukee Cup Game Ends in Draw

MILWAUKEE, WIS. – The Panthers’ women’s soccer team played to the same result in the rivalry vs. Marquette as the men, as the game ended in a 1-1 draw, on Wednesday night at Englemann Field. It was the team’s second tie of the season.

Junior midfielder Callie O’Donnell scored the Panthers’ only goal in the 22nd minute of the game on an assist by senior midfielder Kelsey Holbert. First-year head coach Troy Fabiano commented on the early lead.

“The most important thing for us is that we wanted to come out fast,” he said. “We were able to gain possession, able to get an opportunity and put one in the back of the net. Callie just has a unique way to get behind the back line and usually finishes those.”

However, the Golden Eagles would respond a minute and a half later on a goal by defender Erin Holland, and each team came up empty the rest of the way. Fabiano emphasized the effort from both teams and the letdown of not being able to declare a winner.

“This was my first game against Marquette and the crowd was great,” he said. “The atmosphere was awesome. You give both sides credit. Both sides tried to get a result. Unfortunately for both of us, it ends in a tie. We move on now to conference.”

After allowing the first half goal, Milwaukee junior goaltender Paige Lincicum was stout, making five second-half saves. Fabiano also elaborated on this.

“It was a difficult goal to give up, but I felt Paige responded really well throughout the rest of the game,” he said. “I felt like the team did. Marquette did some things in the second half that we had some difficulties adjusting.”

O’Donnell had a golden opportunity early in the second half to get a go-ahead goal when she beat Marquette goalkeeper Sloane Carlson, but a defender got a foot in at the last second to deflect the shot.

Milwaukee had some chances in the two overtime periods to break the tie, but were unable to do so. Marquette outshot the Panthers, 3-2 in overtime.

In addition, the Golden Eagles held a 14-10 shots advantage for the game, including 6-4 for shots on goal. Each team had two corner kicks and Milwaukee committed one more foul than Marquette (10-9).

The crosstown rivals have played many good games against each other, with nearly one-third of the games ending in a tie. With the series dating back to 1993, the teams have now played each other 24 times. Wednesday night was the seventh draw in those matches.

Up next, the Panthers have a Horizon League tilt with Wright State in Dayton, Ohio, on Saturday at 1 p.m.