MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin women's soccer team opens its 2021 spring season on Saturday night with a home game against Iowa at the Mercyhealth Sportscore Two complex in Loves Park, Illinois. Kickoff for UW's first contest in 455 days is set for 6:30 p.m.
At this time, no fans will be permitted to attend the Badgers' home games, but fans can follow on Twitter (
@BadgerWSoccer) or live stats on UWBadgers.com.
1. A LOOK BACK: Wisconsin is coming off of one of its best seasons in program history as UW went undefeated in Big Ten Conference play in 2019 en route to its third-ever Big Ten title. Wisconsin advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the second-straight year and had three players earn All-America honors in
Jordyn Bloomer (first team)
Camryn Biegalski (second team) and
Dani Rhodes (second team).
2. TWO ON TROPHY LIST: A pair of Badgers were named to the Mac Hermann Trophy Watch List last month in
Jordyn Bloomer and
Maia Cella. Bloomer, the 2019 Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year, posted 12 shutouts her junior year and made 68 saves in net, while Cella was named first-team All-Big Ten her junior season.
3. PRESEASON RANKS: Wisconsin checked in at the No. 2 spot in the Big Ten Women's Soccer Preseason Rankings that came out on Wednesday. In addition,
Jordyn Bloomer,
Maia Cella and
Cameron Murtha were all named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team.
4. PICKETT PICKED IN NWSL DRAFT: Â Former Wisconsin women's soccer standout
Victoria Pickett was selected 15th overall by Kansas City in the 2021 National Women's Soccer League Draft. A first-team All-American in 2018, Pickett is the fifth Badger to be drafted into the NWSL. In addition, it marks the second-straight year a Badger has been drafted in the top-16 picks asÂ
Camryn Biegalski was picked 16th last year by the Chicago Red Stars. In addition, Pickett was called up to the Canadian National Team roster in the lead-up to the She Believes Cup, marking her senior camp debut.
5. SHEBELEIVES STARTS: UW legend and U.S. Women's National Team standout Rose Lavelle will return to action this week with the SheBelieves Cup, which begins on Thursday in Orlando. Lavelle and the U.S. will take on Canada in a 6 p.m. CT game that can be seen live on FS1. The U.S. will play again on Sunday against Brazil in a 2 p.m. CT match before wrapping up group play on Feb. 24 against Argentina at 6 p.m. All three of the U.S. matches can be seen live on FS1.
