Milwaukee City Wire

Dominic Zuniga scored in the 83rd minute to help the Milwaukee men's soccer team secure a 1-1 draw against Eastern Illinois on Friday at Engelmann Stadium. With this result, the Panthers extended their unbeaten streak at home to 11 matches, dating back to last season.

Milwaukee's record now stands at 0-2-2 for the current season, while Eastern Illinois moves to 0-3-1. The match saw both teams with similar statistics by halftime, including six shots each and two saves apiece. Eastern Illinois took the lead in the first half after converting a penalty kick following a foul in the box during the 27th minute.

"I will say, Eastern was sharp, their possession was very good," head coach Kris Kelderman said. "We had difficulties – especially in the first half – just finding the game. I thought we got better, and the intensity picked up in the second and we started going forward with a little more vigor. Safe to say, we are not very pleased with the performance that we had today. I think we still have better soccer in us. We are challenged with finishing some opportunities – we had a couple of good ones in the game today. We just have to keep plugging away."

Kelderman also addressed his team's performance across both halves: "I thought the second half was much better than the first half," he said. "We came together at halftime and all agreed that was a very underwhelming first half on our end. No disrespect to Eastern Illinois, but the goal they got was a silly foul on our part that gave them a penalty kick, and it was kind of their only chance in the first half."

The Panthers' best opportunity before halftime came from Jack Bretzmann after receiving a through ball from Bienvenu Djunga; however, his shot was saved.

In goal for Milwaukee, Nic Diana made five saves during the second half as Milwaukee increased its attacking pressure while maintaining solid defense.

The equalizing goal sequence began when Diana sent a long free kick forward to Fernando Pirry late in regulation time. After Pirry's shot forced an impressive save and earned Milwaukee a corner kick, Miguel Rivera Cardona delivered from set piece for Zuniga to redirect inside the far post at just over 82 minutes played.

Both sides managed one additional shot each before time expired but neither attempt found its mark.

By game's end, Eastern Illinois held a slight edge in total shots (17-16), while Milwaukee led in shots on target (8-6) and corners (7 out of 11). Zuniga recorded four shots overall; Bretzmann finished with three attempts during his first collegiate start.

Milwaukee will continue its homestand next week by hosting Chicago State on Tuesday before beginning Horizon League play against Cleveland State on Saturday.