The Milwaukee Panthers men鈥檚 soccer team opened their 2026 season with a 0-0 draw against Southern Indiana at Engelmann Stadium. Despite outshooting the Screaming Eagles 16-11 and having several scoring opportunities, including a close-range header and a near goal in the closing seconds of the first half, the Panthers couldn't convert chances into goals. Head coach Kris Kelderman highlighted the need to improve scoring in the attacking third while praising the solid defensive performance, particularly from Filip Dostanic, who made five saves. The team features a significantly revamped roster, with many new players contributing to the learning curve. Moving forward, the Panthers aim to sharpen their offensive execution.

By the Numbers
  • Milwaukee outshot Southern Indiana 16-11.
  • Filip Dostanic recorded 5 saves in his collegiate debut.
  • The Panthers had a 6-5 edge in shots on goal.
  • Milwaukee led in corner kicks 5-2.
  • Possession statistics favored Milwaukee at 52% to 48%.
Yes, But

While the Panthers dominated possession and shots, their inability to score raises concerns about execution in the attacking third. Coach Kelderman acknowledged the need for improvement despite the advantages, hinting that the team's performance may reflect their many roster changes.

State of Play
  • The Panthers showcased a strong defensive display, resulting in only their second season-opening shutout since 2018.
  • Coach Kelderman noted the importance of developing combinations in the attacking third to reduce pressure on players.
What's Next

After a weekend off, the Panthers will travel to Illinois for their next match against Chicago State. The game is scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m., giving the team a chance to implement lessons learned from their opener.

Bottom Line

The Panthers must translate their possession and shot advantages into goals to avoid frustration in future matches. Continuous refinement in the attacking third, alongside solid defensive strategies, will be crucial as they seek to enhance their scoring capabilities.