Michigan Blanks Badgers 2-0
September 26, 2003 | Women's Soccer
Suddenly, the Badger women's soccer team is struggling to find ways to score goals. Wisconsin's goal-scoring drought continued Friday afternoon, falling 2-0 at Michigan.
After scoring three goals in four straight matches earlier this season, UW (5-4-1, 1-2-0 Big Ten) has managed just four goals in the five matches since and has been shutout in back-to-back contests.
For the third time in the last five matches, the Badgers were hurt by allowing an early goal. Katie Kramer scored just 57 seconds into the match off assists from Stephanie Chavez and Erika Kleinholz for Michigan (2-4-3, 1-1-1).
"We gave up a goal way too early again," Wisconsin head coach Dean Duerst said. "It's just one of those fluke goals that happens and we just didn't answer the call."
Wisconsin continued its recent trend of putting pressure on the opposing defense without getting a result. The Badgers held a 14-9 edge in shots and a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks but never could convert. UW did have one goal disallowed due having a foul called on the play.
The Wolverines' one-goal advantage stood up until the 87:06 mark. After Wisconsin pulled a defender to bring on another forward, Kate Morgan put a shot pass UW keeper Kristin Sonderman off a header from Therese Heaton.
Wisconsin forced Michigan goalkeeper Megan Tuura to make four saves, while the Wolverine team was credited with another two. Sonderman made two saves in goal for the Badgers while seeing her first playing time of the season. She got the start in place of regular starter Stefani Szczechowski who had to miss the contest due to picking up a red card during UW's 1-0 loss to Purdue Sunday.
"We just didn't find a way to get it done," Duerst said. "We've got another tough game on Sunday and we have to find a way to respond."
The Badgers close out their weekend trip to Michigan Sunday when they travel to East Lansing for a 1 p.m. kickoff against Michigan State.
