MADISON, Wis. — Thanks to a pair of goals from senior Natalie Viggiano, the Wisconsin women's soccer team advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament thanks to a 2-1 win over Butler on Friday night at the McClimon Soccer Complex.
The Badgers struck first as Viggiano scored off a cross from Izzy Verdugo to give UW a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. UW dominated play for most of the half, outshooting Butler 9-0 while earning seven corner kicks to Butler's one. Butler scored in the 70th minute off of a corner kick set up to tie the game 1-1, but the Badgers were determined to get it back.
Viggiano netted her second goal of the game on a stretch pass from Emma Jaskaniec in the 75th minute to put the Badgers up 2-1.
Wisconsin continued to battle until the final horn to defeat Butler and punch their ticket to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
The Badgers led the final shot count 11-7 and corner kick opportunities 8-6. Goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer made four saves to help the Badgers advance.
UW head coach Paula Wilkins
On the overall game:
"This team can play well and played well tonight. Seeing the two goals coming from Natalie was huge, but I thought there were some good performances by
Izzy Verdugo who really impacted the game by getting forward. There was also some great saves by Jordyn (Bloomer) to help get us the win."
Regarding the play of Jordyn Bloomer:
"Big players do big things at big times and Jordyn obviously did that right then and there, which is why she is an All-American goalkeeper."
Senior Natalie Viggiano
On the win:
"I think it was really exciting as a team , we have been on a long tie streak and lost some games, but it was nice to win our final game at McClimon."
Up Next:
UW will face UC-Irvine the second round of the NCAA tournament. More information, such as the date, time and location, will be available in the coming days.
