CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – For only the third time in program history, the Wisconsin women's soccer team has earned a share of the Big Ten Conference title after the No. 10 Badgers defeated Illinois, 1-0, on Thursday night.
The Badgers (12-2-2, 8-0-1) continued their undefeated run in Big Ten action thanks to a
Dani Rhodes' first-half goal against the Fighting Illini (8-8-1, 2-7-1).
A slow first half for the Badgers ended at the 41st minute when Rhodes scored the lone goal on Thursday. The senior charged into the box, outran the defense, and was able to find the back of the net to give UW a 1-0 lead.
The second half was a back-and-forth affair as Wisconsin survived three late Illinois corners to earn their 12th win of the year.
Notes to Know
- This marks only the second time UW has won a Big Ten regular-season title as the Badgers shared the 2015 conference crown. A point in UW's final two games would give UW its first-ever outright Big Ten regular-season title.
- The Badgers now have three total Big Ten championships as they were named the 1994 Big Ten Champions after winning the conference tournament title as from 1994-1996 the Big Ten tournament winner was named the Big Ten champion.
- Rhodes now has 34 career goals, which ranks fifth in school history. She also scored in her fourth-straight game against the Fighting Illini.
- Junior Jordyn Bloomer earned her 10th shutout of the season, stopping all five shots she faced. She is only the sixth Badger in school history to collect 10 or more shutouts in a single season, joining the likes of Genevieve Richard, Heather Taggart, Michele Dalton, Briget Schwarting and Caitlyn Clem.
- The Badgers earned their seventh shutout in Big Ten Conference play and have allowed only three goals in nine conference games.
Straight from the Pitch
UW head coach Paula Wilkins
On the win against Illinois:
"We're excited to come out with a result like this. I don't think we played our best but I think our team showed a lot of resiliency coming out with a win. A huge credit to Illinois as they played hard today and gave us their best effort."
On earning a share of the Big Ten title:
"I'm really proud of our team as we got a share of the Big Ten title, but we want to make sure we keep our focus for Northwestern. We know it's a big game and we want to keep building up our momentum as we head closer to tournament play."
Senior Dani Rhodes
On earning a share of the Big Ten title:
"It was such a special moment to clinch a share of the Big Ten title tonight. It is a huge accomplishment and I am beyond proud of this team, but we aren't done yet. We are motivated and determined to get points against Northwestern on Sunday!"
Up Next: Wisconsin will head to Northwestern on Sunday for a 2 p.m. CT contest live on the Big Ten Network. The Badgers will wrap up the regular season on Wednesday with a 3 p.m. game at the McClimon Soccer Complex against Ohio State. Admission will be free for the rescheduled game from Sept. 27.
