Young Badgers learning, growing from close defeats
October 02, 2014 | Men's Soccer
That then must make futbol a game of centimeters.
The margin of error is a thin one in the game of soccer, which is one of the lessons that the Wisconsin men’s soccer team is learning this season. One mental mistake, one error, one bad bounce of the ball, and just like that, you can find yourself down a goal and suddenly facing the threat of defeat.
Three of the five losses suffered by the Badgers this season have come in matches decided by one goal. To show just how crucial tight games can be to a team’s success, last season UW was 10-2 in games that were decided by one score. Last season’s Badgers went on to make their first NCAA tournament appearance in nearly two decades.
That’s the beauty, and the curse, of the game of soccer.
Or, as head coach John Trask has said, it’s an example of how “soccer can be a cruel game.”
While Wisconsin fell in a 2-0 loss last Friday at Maryland, again, the group was right in the game after playing to a scoreless first half. It wasn’t until the Terrapins scored a pair of goals in the 53rd and 59th minute that victory seemed out of reach.
Those outside the program may look and judge this year’s group based on its wins and losses. Coach Trask would have them hold off on drawing conclusions just yet. There’s value in this season’s lessons and adversity, and it’s serving as a catalyst in the progression of one of the youngest, but arguably most talented lineups in the country.
“We’re closing the gap, but we’re not there yet,” Trask said. “In many ways, I was very pleased (vs. Maryland). To see the growth of this team over the last few games has been very encouraging. We’re learning some tough lessons, but I know this group will stay together.”
There’s reason to believe things could begin to turn very quickly, too. Even as soon as this season.
Wisconsin will play six of its final nine games this season at home. While the Badgers are 1-2-1 at the McClimon Complex, both losses came by just one goal, and could have just as easily gone the other way. The group’s draw, a 1-1 tie in double overtime, came against a traditional BIG EAST power and formidable foe in St. John’s.
For a team that averages one senior for every four freshmen, home-field advantage and playing with the support of fans behind you can mean everything.
It may just mean the difference between winning and losing.
Senior Night
Sunday, October 26
Game Highlights || Penn State
Saturday, October 25
Alumni Night
Monday, October 20
Game Highlights || Western Michigan
Friday, August 29
