Milwaukee looks to reclaim Chancellor’s Cup

After falling to Cleveland State on Saturday, the Milwaukee Panthers (3-5-1, 0-1-0) will be back in action to take on in-state rival, Green Bay (3-3-2, 0-0-0), for the Chancellor’s Cup Wednesday evening in Green Bay.

This will be the 44th meeting between these in-state rivals, and the 38th time they have squared off for the Chancellor’s Cup. Milwaukee is 24-15-4 all-time against Green Bay, although the Phoenix won the Cup last season.

Last season this extremely anticipated matchup went into double overtime for a fourth straight time, with the Phoenix winning in an unexpected way.

In the 106th minute, the Phoenix came hustling down the field and put a shot on goal. Although the ball was blocked, it continued to roll, and went in off of a Milwaukee defender’s knee, to give Green Bay the impressive 2-1 victory on the road.

Milwaukee will look to turn their fortune around, but it will not be easy. Although Green Bay has a mediocre record, they have been playing well on both sides of the ball.

Offensively the Phoenix are averaging over two goals a game, while their defense has done a solid job only allowing a little over a goal a game.

Leading the Phoenix’s offensive attack is sophomore midfielder Audi Jepson who has scored a team-high eight goals, while tallying three assists for 19 points. He also leads the Phoenix in shots, 18, and shots on goal, 11.

In goal the Phoenix have used two different goalies, but junior goalkeeper Dani Alvarado has seen the majority of time in his first season with Green Bay. Alvarado has appeared in six games, recording an impressive 0.83 goals against average and three shutouts.

This will be a challenging game for the Panthers who have failed to record a victory since the beginning of September against Gonzaga. They also have struggled on both sides of the ball, averaging only a goal a game, as their offense has had difficulties finishing in the attacking third.

Defense has been in even bigger issue, however, as the Panthers are allowing nearly two goals a game while continuing to make fundamental mistakes. Numerous times the defense has allowed second chances goals, while also turning the ball over way too much.

Despite the recent struggles Milwaukee has had, they will come into this game with a lot of energy, in attempt to reclaim the Chancellor’s Cup. The biggest key will be limiting the amount of mistakes.

No matter how these teams are doing throughout the season, this is always a passionate match. With the Chancellor’s Cup on the line, this Horizon League match will not disappoint, as these programs look to beat their rival and walk away with the cup.

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