MADISON, Wis. - After a stretch of away games, the Wisconsin women's soccer team returned to McClimon Field on Thursday night, battling Illinois to a 0-0 draw.
Although things looked a little different for the Wisconsin starters, the team looked unfazed despite the changes. The Badgers applied pressure right from the start putting up 13 shots in the first half while holding the opponent to only one.
Ashley Martinez nearly had a sensational goal with 17 minutes left to play in the half, but the shot soared just over the crossbar.
Wisconsin maintained heavy pressure on the Fighting Illini, posting a 10-2 advantage in corner kicks and 13-1 edge in shots. However, Wisconsin was not able to find their go-ahead goal in the first part of the match.
Natalie Viggiano put up a beautiful shot five minutes into the last 45, however, the Illinois goalkeeper made an impressive save to hand the Badgers yet another corner.
Wisconsin continued to test the visitors, however, couldn't get the ball to find the back of the net. The team was looking to find the head of
Claire Odmark all night, and with five minutes left, her header looked to be the goal the Badgers fought for all night. However, a foul called took the game-winner off the board in heartbreaking fashion.
Erin McKinney protected the back end of the field, earning her seventh shutout of the season, as Wisconsin remained undefeated at home this season.
The Badgers will close out the regular season on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. against Nebraska.