Michigan Sneaks Past UW to Move Into Title Game
November 07, 2003 | Women's Soccer
One day after battling through 110 minutes of play and a shootout in an upset of top-seeded Penn State, the Wisconsin women's soccer team struggled to find anything left in its tank for Friday evening's Big Ten tournament semifinal game against Michigan. The Wolverines tallied a goal late in the first half and then battled to hold off the Badgers to advance to the championship game with a 1-0 win.
Theresa Dwyer's first goal of the season helped Michigan, the No. 4 seed, move on to take on second-seeded Illinois for the tournament title at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Whether Dwyer was attempting a cross or a shot from the end line is unknown. All that matters for the Wolverines is that the ball lofted over the head of UW goalkeeper Stefani Szczechowski and barely went into the upper left corner of the net at the 42:24 mark for the game's only score. Therese Heaton was credited with an assist on the play.
Wisconsin, playing without leading goal-scorer Jenny Kundert due to injury, found Michigan defense difficult to penetrate, as it was held without a shot on goal in the contest.
The Wolverines (9-6-2, 4-2-4) ended up holding an 11-6 edge in shots, including a 5-1 margin in the second half when Wisconsin had the wind at its back. The Badgers had a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks, but were never able to get a quality chance off any of their opportunities.
Szczechowski made three saves in goal for Wisconsin, while the team was credited with one save. Michigan keeper Megan Tuura did not need to make a save in posting the shutout win.
"I'm proud of our kids," Wisconsin head coach Dean Duerst said. "I think they're definitely a really good team and they had a good tournament. To get to finals like we did last year, we needed something up top...I think our defense played great. One little moment and that's it. One little tough play and that's it. Our kids have their heads up and they've got belief that they can be playing a game here in the future."
The Badgers (10-9-2, 4-6-0) will now be forced to sit and await their NCAA tournament fate. The field of 64 teams is set to be announced at 3:30 p.m. Monday.
The game also marked the final home game in the career of Badger seniors Jenny Kundert, Bethany Heine, Lisa Himrod and Elly Patterson.
