Milwaukee made their first NCAA tournament appearance in 1997 after a 13-3-4 season, winning the MCC tournament in penalties over Butler and losing 2-1 to Minnesota in the round of 32.[2]
In 2001, the Panthers won the Horizon League tournament 1-0 over Butler. At the 2001 NCAA tournament, Milwaukee lost 1-0 in 2OT to Dartmouth in the first round of the 64 team tournament.[3]
In 2002, Milwaukee won back to back Horizon League titles in a 4-2 win over Butler. In the 2002 NCAA tournament, the Panthers lost 2-0 to Pepperdine.
In 2005, the Panthers won the Horizon League tournament in penalties over Detroit Mercy. In the 2005 NCAA tournament, they defeated Purdue in penalties for their first-ever tournament win. In the Round of 32, they lost 1-0 to Marquette.
In 2006, Milwaukee earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament after a 16-4-2 regular season and undefeated 7-0-0 in Horizon League play. They lost the 2006 tournament final 1-0 to Detroit Mercy. In the NCAA tournament, they defeated Michigan in penalties to advance to the Round of 32. In the Round of 32, they lost 1-0 to Notre Dame.
In 2008, the Panthers defeated Loyola to win the Horizon League title and automatic bid. In the NCAA tournament, they lost in the first round to Michigan State 2-1. The 2008 season marked the first year in a streak of 6 straight NCAA tournament appearances from 2008 to 2013. 2009 and 2010 were first round NCAA tournament exits. In 2011, Milwaukee made the Round of 32 after defeating Illinois State 3-0. 2012 and 2013 were both first round NCAA tournament exits.
In 2018, Milwaukee began another dynasty in the Horizon League, winning the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 conference titles. In 2020, they defeated Elon in the NCAA tournament to advance to the Round of 32 for the first time in 9 years. In 2021, they defeated Xavier in the first round to advance to the Round of 32.
In 2025, the Panthers won their eighth consecutive Horizon League championship after defeating Green Bay 4-0.[4]
