CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Wisconsin women's soccer team (10-2-3) won in an electrifying fashion on Thursday night, taking on Illinois (5-6-3) in Champaign. The match resulted in a 1-0 win for the Badgers after a last second goal. The victory extends their win streak to four straight.
How it happened
The Badgers have displayed consistency throughout the season- even when different players see the field. Thursday night was another one of those instances, with Wisconsin starting yet another different starting XI against the Fighting Illini. Despite these changes, the intensity and hunger to win remained.
The first real chance for Wisconsin came in the 12th minute. Izzy Verdugo had an opening goal opportunity from a cross by Maia Richters, but the play was whistled offsides despite going in the back of the net.
Another opportunity came in the 33rd minute. Ashley Martinez made a darting run towards the box and took a shot from distance to force the Illinois keeper to make a diving save.
Heading into the half, the Badgers dominated possession with six shots - three of which were on target. Drew Stover earned her first career start against Illinois, but sound defending by the Badgers prevented a single shot from going her way. Illinois has been known for its transition capabilities, playing with a back three to provide more offensive numbers. This made the Badgers' defense even more impressive.
The score was all-level at 0-0 heading into the half.
Both sides increased their intensity in the second 45 minutes in an effort to score the opening goal. It was a much better start to the half by the Fighting Illini, who showed much more life going forward. The Badgers matched the opposition's intensity and ended up with a major reward.
When it seemed that both sides would be sharing a point in the Big Ten match, the unexpected happened. With under 15 seconds to go, Hailey Baumann hit a free kick up to Aryssa Mahrt to try and get one last opportunity. Mahrt turned her defender in the box and played a perfect squared ball to Sarah Rosenbaum. The freshman buried the ball into the back of the net, scoring her first career goal in a stunning fashion. Just like that, the Badgers won the game with only eight seconds left.
It is worth noting that Stover achieved her first career clean sheet in the win, playing a key role in helping the Badgers get the massive three points.
The Badgers are on a roll in the Big Ten, remaining second in the standings, 5-1-1.
Next up
The Badgers return to the McClimon Soccer Complex to face Ohio State on Sunday, Oct. 15. This is the team's last home match of the regular season, with kick off set for 1 p.m. (CT).
