May 11, 2001

MILWAUKEE - National runner-up Creighton (22-4) highlights the 2001 UWM men's soccer schedule, released today by Panthers' coach Louis Bennett.

The Panthers also host Wisconsin in October, entertain MCC champion and NCAA Tournament qualifer Illinois-Chicago to close out the regular season in November, and will play teams from the Big Ten, Conference USA, Missouri Valley, Mid-American Conference, and West Coast Conference.

"With a schedule like we have, we are going to have to be at our best," Bennett said. "Games with nationally-ranked opponents and the number two team in the country will obviously test our quality and ability to compete at the highest level."

UWM's game against Creighton, who were defeated by Connecticut in the NCAA Championship a year ago, will be played at the Diadora Creighton Tournament in Omaha, Neb. The Panthers will also play Southwest Missouri State at the tournament. The Bears are the only team on this year's schedule UWM has never faced.

The Panthers open their season at home against Chicago rivals Northwestern and DePaul. This year's Coca-Cola Panther Invitational will feature matches against Saint Mary's (Calif.) and Eastern Illinois.

UWM also faces a stretch of rivalry games in early October. The Panthers play at Marquette for the Milwaukee Cup Oct. 3, host Wisconsin Oct. 5, and play for the Chancellor's Cup at UW-Green Bay Oct. 9. The Panthers hostNorthern Illinois for the John Lewang Trophy Oct. 17.

The Panthers ended last season with an 11-9-1 mark, their 23rd winning record in 28 seasons. UWM returns 16 letterwinners and nine starters from last year's team.