WESTFIELD, Ind. –The Big Ten Tournament semifinals were exactly what a soccer fan would hope for as both of the tournament's semifinal matches went into overtime. The match between Wisconsin women's soccer and No. 2-seeded Northwestern was a heated battle that UW lost 2-1 in the 105th minute of double overtime.
The Badgers (13-5-2 overall, 6-4-2 Big Ten) are no strangers to overtime games, partaking in five this season.
Northwestern (12-6-2, 8-3-1) broke the scoring open immediately, sneaking a ball past Wisconsin keeper
Caitlyn Clem in the fifth minute, taking a 1-0 lead.
In the 64th minute it was the young combination of sophomore
Dani Rhodes and freshman
Lauren Rice evening the game up for Wisconsin.
Rhodes, taking a ball down the right side, delivered a perfect cross to the opposite side of the box which Rice was able to rocket to the back of the net.
The goal was Rice's fourth of the season. She grew up just right around the corner from Grand Park.
Opportunities were there for Wisconsin throughout the entire game. The Badgers outshot Northwestern 20-10, getting 10 shots off in the second half.
Overtime period number one was all Wisconsin, firing off three shots and holding Northwestern to zero.
Conference tournaments bring a sense of energy and competition unmatched in the regular season, which was evident with the number of fouls on both sides. Wisconsin finished the game with 18 fouls, Northwestern with 14.
Note to know: In Friday's match, Wisconsin ended Northwestern's 535-minute shutout streak.
Up next: Wisconsin will now wait to hear its name called by the NCAA to see if they will earn a bid to the NCAA tournament. The selection show will take place on Monday.