Men's Soccer Wraps Up 2007 Season

Nov. 3, 2007

MILWAUKEE - Marquette University ended its season Saturday evening with a heartbreaking 2-1 loss in double overtime to Pittsburgh from Valley Fields. The Panthers' Justin Boehm netted the game winner in the 107th minute, unassisted, as both BIG EAST squads put closure on the 2007 campaign.

"This one deflates you a lot - to lose in double overtime like that," said MU head coach Louis Bennett. "It was one-way traffic most of the second half. We had all the play. It was almost like shock the way the game ended."

Moments from settling for what would have been the Golden Eagles' fifth draw of the season, freshman goalkeeper Steve Purdy ran to the top of the box to clear the ball, which he inadvertently played to Boehm who chipped it in from 45 yards as Purdy was retreating back to goal.

"It's unfortunate that we made the wrong decision at the wrong time," said Bennett. "When you are the last man, that may cost you. Our expectation is better than that. We had some close opportunities. We possessed the ball better, and moved the ball nicely, especially in the second half."

MU indeed had its opportunities with a total of five shots on goal and 10 corner kicks, compared to just two corners by the Panthers. The Golden Eagles initiated scoring with Scott Miller's second goal of the season in the 20th minute. Miller won a header, which he sent into the back of the net, off a throw in from Mike Carlson.

The equalizer came nearly 16 minutes later when E.J. McCormick avoided a soft tackle in front of the MU goal to convert on a cross from Pitt teammate Matt Langton.

It was the first conference win for the Panthers, who finish the season with a 3-13-2 mark overall (1-9-1 BIG EAST). Marquette wraps up Bennett's second season at the helm with an improved 2-12-4 record (1-9-1 BIG EAST).

"On a positive note, we're seeing more consistency in some positions," said Bennett. "We are also getting consistent work ethic from some players.

"Our season has just started."