Wisconsin Finishes Big Ten Slate This Weekend
October 14, 2004 | Women's Soccer
The University of Wisconsin women's soccer team (9-4-1 overall, 3-4-1 Big Ten) concludes its Big Ten season this weekend, going head-to-head with Michigan State at 7 p.m. Friday and No. 13 Michigan at 1 p.m. Sunday, both at McClimon Soccer Complex.
Although the Badgers split their last two matches, falling 2-1 to Minnesota and beating Iowa 2-0, they moved up one spot to fifth place in the league standings. For UW to clinch a berth in the Big Ten tournament'only the top eight teams compete'it could defeat ninth-place Michigan State or hope the other teams below it in the standings lose, among several other scenarios.
Due to how close the standings are season after season, every match, according to head coach Dean Duerst, is essentially a must-win.
"To get a home Big Ten victory was critical," Duerst said. "Our team needs to understand how important each game is, and I think they did (against Iowa)."
Wisconsin was close to putting itself in a better position last Friday against the Gophers, but despite out-shooting them 26-13, UW could not overcome two second-half goals by Minnesota.
On Sunday, the Badgers were able to capitalize on strong play in the second half, as both junior midfielder/forward Katy Lindenmuth (Geneva, Ill.) and junior defender Jessica Ring (Rockford, Ill.) notched goals within that period.
But UW will need to play its best throughout the match to have a chance against the Wolverines (9-3-2, 6-1-1), who are second only to Penn State in the Big Ten. This past weekend they knocked down Indiana and Purdue to tally seven victories in their past nine matches.
Forward Therese Heaton, who scored the lone goal in the 1-0 triumph over the Hoosiers, leads the team with 19 points from eight goals and three assists. Goalkeeper Megan Tuura has a 0.88 GAA and six shutouts this season.
"Michigan right now is the toughest team left on our schedule, but that won't be our primary concern," Duerst said. "What's important is how we come out against Michigan State. They've had some tough games, but they're still a very good team."
The Spartans (8-6-1, 2-5-1) were swept by Indiana and Purdue to fall to ninth in the conference. They must win at least one of their last two matches and hope the teams immediately ahead of them lose to secure a spot in the league tournament.
Forwards Emma Harris and Erin Konheim, both of whom share the team lead with four goals apiece, will be looked upon to produce for MSU.
"Both Michigan and Michigan State have always been tough teams," Duerst said. "We'll focus on Friday first. A win against the Spartans would certainly extend some momentum going into Sunday."
The Wolverines will play Oakland tonight in Rochester, Mich., prior to taking on the Badgers.
