Marquette University Athletics
Penalty Kicks Decide 2010 Spring Cup
4/25/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
April 25, 2010
MILWAUKEE - All four of Wisconsin's NCAA Division I men's soccer programs gathered Saturday at Valley Fields for the annual Wisconsin DI Spring Cup, where Marquette University wrapped up its spring exhibition season with 0-0 draws against Milwaukee and UW-Green Bay.
Marquette created a number of scoring chances throughout its first match, but couldn't convert against the Panthers on a windy, wet day at "The Valley." Milwaukee, which created a few dangerous chances of its own late in the second half, advanced 5-3 on penalty kicks following a scoreless 70 minutes of regulation (tournament matches shortened to two 35-minute halves).
"To be honest with you, in both games I thought we had large sections of the game and had great chances to finish it," said MU head coach Louis Bennett. "There's been a lot of progress with a lot of our lads. We've been breaking down defenses and we've been hard to defend."
Marquette was also able to sustain an offensive presence later in the day in its match against UWGB, a contest that Bennett described as "feisty." After a number of shots on target and some unlucky bounces inside the box, the Golden Eagles again had to settle for 0-0 draw.
The Phoenix had an opportunity for the game-winner in the 49th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick for a MU handball inside the box. But Marquette goalkeeper Keenan Flynn was able to preserve the shutout by coming up with a masterful save.
At the end of regulation, UWGB again failed to convert on its first two penalty kicks. Flynn then came up with another big-time save on the Phoenix's third PK attempt.
Calum Mallace went on to clinch the 3-0 decision by depositing Marquette's third straight try into the back of net.
"I really appreciate the way we've matured," said Bennett. "We've got one final piece that we really have to nail early in August and that's finishing."
In early action, Wisconsin and UWGB played to a 0-0 draw and Wisconsin advanced on penalty kicks to face Milwaukee. Following a 1-1 result versus Badgers, Milwaukee went on to claim the Spring Cup by virtue of penalty kicks.
