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Game Coverage
Friday, Sept. 29 | 2:00pm — College Park, MD.
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Game Coverage
Sunday, Oct. 1 | 12:00pm — Piscataway, NJ
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MADISON, Wis. – It was an eventful four-day span for the No. 12 Wisconsin women's soccer team (8-2 Overall, 2-1 Big Ten) as it went up against two Big Ten opponents, both games ending in an exciting overtime period, one in victory and one in defeat. The Badgers now hit the road for a two-game trip against Maryland, Friday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. (CT) and Rutgers, Sunday, Oct. 1 at Noon (CT). Friday's game will be live on BTN Plus and fans can watch Sunday's game live on Big Ten Network. For live, in-game updates follow along on Twitter (@BadgerWSoccer)
1. LOOKING BACK: On Thursday evening, Wisconsin welcomed Michigan State (4-7, 0-4) to Madison and managed to grab a 2-1 overtime victory. Freshman Lauren Rice was Wisconsin's hero, netting the winning goal in the 93rd minute. The goal was Rice's third of the season and her first career gamewinner. Sunday afternoon the University of Michigan (5-2-4, 2-1-1) came to town and was determined to leave triumphant. The game ended in the 95th minute on a Wolverine goal, capping off the upset and ending Wisconsin's eight-game win streak. Following the loss Wisconsin dropped three spots in the national ranking from No. 9 to No. 12.
2. SCOUTING MARYLAND: Maryland boasts an attractive overall record of 7-2-1, however the Terrapins have dropped two of their first three Big Ten games, giving them a 1-2 conference record. Maryland started the season on a seven-game unbeaten streak, winning its first three games, tying the next and winning three more straight games. The East Coast school's first loss came at the hands of then No. 13-ranked Rutgers University, 2-0. Maryland holds onto a 4-0 home record this season. Wisconsin's focus will be on freshman Mikayla Dayes, who enters Friday's game with three goals, two assists, eight points and a Big Ten Freshman of the Week award back in August.
3. SCOUTING RUTGERS: The Scarlet Knights possess an 8-0-2 record, 2-0-1 in the Big Ten, and are ranked No. 13 in the nation, all pending a home game versus Minnesota. Rutgers' first non-victory came in the form of a tie to then No. 15 Georgetown on the road. Rutgers has allowed only one goal this season and put up nine shutouts. Since Aug. 29 at least one Rutgers athlete has been on the receiving end of a Big Ten weekly award five times. Goalkeeper Casey Murphy has been awarded defensive player of the week twice this season and National Player of the Week once. Murphy enters Rutgers' Minnesota game with 30 saves and a .968 percent.
4. BUT, WHO'S COUNTING? Wisconsin holds a 2-0-0 all-time advantage over Maryland. The last time these two teams met was in 2015 when Wisconsin knocked off Maryland 1-0 in College Park. The Badgers also hold the all-time advantage over the Scarlet Knights, 3-0-1. The last time the teams faced off came in 2016 when Wisconsin defeated Rutgers 2-1 at McClimon Complex. .
5. GOOD AT HOME, BETTER AWAY: Although a small sample size, Wisconsin holds onto an undefeated road record this season and only one goal allowed while away from McClimon. One of those road wins came against then ranked No. 3 Virginia. Wisconsin keeper Caitlyn Clem has faced 30 shots while on the road, saved 12 of 13 shots on goal and allowed just one to slip by. Maryland and Rutgers both fall in the bottom half of the conference in shots per game.
