Milwaukee men’s soccer fell to Bradley 1-0 on Thursday night at Shea Stadium in Peoria, Illinois. The Panthers, now 0-2-1 on the season, were unable to overcome a strong performance by Bradley goalkeeper Drew Barry, who recorded 11 saves including a crucial stop in the final minutes.
The match was tightly contested from the outset, with Milwaukee generating several early chances. Bienvenu Djunga had opportunities in both the 18th and 39th minutes but could not convert. At halftime, the game remained scoreless.
After halftime, Dominic Zuniga tested Barry with a long-range shot that was saved. A subsequent corner kick led to another attempt from Zuniga that Barry stopped at the post in the 48th minute. Bradley scored the only goal of the match in the 49th minute.
Milwaukee continued to press for an equalizer throughout the second half. Praise Ogwu nearly scored in the 55th minute and Daiki Kumakawa forced another save from distance in the 64th. In the closing moments, Fernando Pirry’s bicycle kick was denied by Barry at the 88:12 mark.
Despite holding advantages in total shots (19-15), shots on goal (11-6), and corner kicks (7-5), Milwaukee could not find a way past Barry. Djunga led Milwaukee with five shots, while Pirry added four attempts. Nic Diana made five saves for Milwaukee.
Milwaukee will return home for three matches to start September, beginning with a game against Eastern Illinois on September 5 at 5 p.m.
