MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Milwaukee snapped a two-game winless streak by defeating Northern Ky. 2-1 on Friday, improving to 5-6-7 with a crucial victory that halted the Panthers' three-match losing skid. Angel Gongora opened the scoring in the 41st minute before Jack Bretzmann doubled the lead in the 54th minute, giving the hosts control despite Northern Ky.'s late pressure.
Gongora broke through first in the 41st minute, capitalizing on a Northern Ky. defense stretched thin by Milwaukee's sustained attacking. The goal came at a pivotal moment, just before halftime, as the Panthers had weathered significant pressure throughout the opening period. Bretzmann extended Milwaukee's advantage in the 54th minute with an assist from Gongora, establishing a two-goal cushion that appeared decisive.
Jason Purks pulled one back for Northern Ky. in the 56th minute, assisted by Bennett Gerak, narrowing the deficit and sparking a furious comeback attempt. The Norse generated multiple scoring chances in the final half-hour, with Gerak and Gregory Jervier II testing Milwaukee's defense repeatedly. However, Milwaukee's backline held firm despite playing the final 16 minutes with 10 men following Antonio Santos's red card for serious foul play in the 69th minute.
The match grew increasingly physical as it progressed. Milwaukee's Pavle Ivkovic received a red card in the 43rd minute for unsporting conduct, forcing the hosts to absorb pressure for extended stretches. Northern Ky