MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin men's soccer team bounced back from a loss over the weekend in mighty fashion, dominating the Saint Louis Bilikens 2-0 in a rainy and cold contest at the McClimon Soccer Complex on Tuesday night.

"I was very pleased with the overall performance," head coach John Trask said. "St. Louis is a good team and they've played a lot of top teams in the country. To get a result like this on Tuesday night was fantastic for team spirit."

It didn't take long for Badgers to find their niche on their home turf. In the 12th minute of play, junior forward Christopher Mueller scored a mesmerizing free kick goal from 25 yards out that sailed over the Bilikens' goalkeeper's hands and into the upper right corner of the net.

"I just put the ball down, closed my eyes and imagined what I was going to do," Mueller said. "I saw the goalie was inching over a little bit and usually when I'm on that side I go back the other way, but I saw the goalie over on one side so I just put it to the opposite corner."

The rest of the first half was quiet for both teams, as possession in the middle half of the field was the overarching theme.

Later into the second half, senior Brian Hail played a perfect ball across his body to a fleeing Isaac Schlenker. The sophomore gathered the ball and drove it further down the sideline before notching a ball to junior Mike Catalano in the middle of the box for a booming finish. Catalano's second goal of the season came in the 73rd minute of the game.

The Badgers played with poise for the remainder of the game, showcasing possession and composure.

For St. Louis, Missouri natives, Tom Barlow, Mark Segbers, Brian Hail and Nick Jones, taking down the Bilikens was more than just a win but a big statement over their hometown rivals.

"This is a big game for them," Trask stated. "Mark and Tommy were named game captains and I thought they played great even though they didn't show up on the scoresheet. I know it's a big win. Any time St. Louis kids play against Saint Louis University, it's a big honor and they take a lot of pride in how they perform. Congrats to those guys."

The Badgers led shots 11-8 and dominated shots on goal 5-1. The Bilikens led in corners 4-1 and both teams were awarded nine fouls.

Junior Philipp Schilling got the start in net for the Badgers recording one brilliant save as the clock winded down, holding Saint Louis to a scoreless match. This was Schilling's second shutout of the season.

The Badgers are back in action on Saturday when they continue Big Ten play against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at the McClimon Soccer Complex starting at 7 p.m.