EDINA, Minn. -- The Wisconsin men's soccer team didn't back down when presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. They ran with it.

Playing Minnesota United – a major league soccer team – at the Braemar Arena in Edina, Minnesota, the Badgers suffered a 3-1 loss on the scoreboard but walked away with something valuable: Experience.

"I would like to thank Minnesota United, Amos Magee, Manny Lagos and the rest of the of the Minnesota United staff," head coach John Trask said. "The guys are never happy losing but the bottom line is that this is a great learning experience. We have guys on the team that want to play professional soccer and this is an invaluable experience for them."

United put the first two points on the board but the Badgers responded and gained momentum as the clock ticked on.  

It was junior All-American Chris Mueller that got the first look at the net off of a fantastic ball from fellow junior Mark Segbers.

Mueller got two more great opportunities for the Cardinal and White. The first came late in the first half off a ball from freshman Mitch Guitar. Guitar sent Mueller towards the United net. In the second half, junior Tom Barlow dashed down the sideline and found Mueller again in the box for another great look but the shot was deflected.

It wasn't until the second half that the lid came off the United net.

Junior Tom Barlow made it look easy, carving up the United backline and lofted a perfect ball to the high corner that made it 2-1.

There would be no more Badger goals but there was no mistaking Wisconsin holding clear possession over United in the second half. Wisconsin put together pass after pass and got a plethora of looks at the United net.

"I'm very pleased with a lot of performances today. We look like a mature college soccer team. I know the guys never like losing but it was an overall great experience," Trask added.

The Badgers are back in action at home in two weeks for another exhibition match against Green Bay at the McClain Center.