Badgers battle Gophers in 2-1 loss
October 24, 2008 | Women's Soccer
Freshman Leigh Williams scored Wisconsin's lone goal in the 2-1 loss to No. 25 Minnesota Friday night at the Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium in St. Paul, Minn. The Badgers fell to 9-7-1 overall and 3-5-0 as the Gophers improve to 16-2-0 and 6-2-0 in the Big Ten.
With game time temperatures barely over 40 degrees, the Border Battle rivalry was at its peak. The game was kept close and physical producing eight yellow cards and 23 fouls.
The Gophers struck first in the 24th minute on a goal by Kaitlin Wagner just inside the left post. But the Badgers answered less than two minutes later as Williams managed to get one past Minnesota's goaltender Lindsey Dare to tie the score at the 26:17 mark. The goal was the second for Williams this season and was the first the Gophers had allowed at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium this year.
The rest of the first half remained a battle as senior Jamie Klages put up five saves in the first half and six on the night. Minnesota's Claire Grimwood scored in the 62nd minute for the game-winning goal.
Wisconsin ended the game with no corner kick opportunities while Minnesota had four. The Gophers out-shot the Badgers 19-6. Wisconsin's had a scoring opportunity when Taylor Walsh put her shot on goal from behind the Minnesota defense.
The Badgers are looking for their first road win when they face Iowa on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Iowa City, Iowa.
