MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin women's soccer team (8-2-3) will square off against Northwestern (7-3-3) at the McClimon Soccer Complex on Thursday, Oct. 5. It is the Badgers' second to last home game of the season, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. (CT).

Here are five things to know:

1. KNOW THE OPPONENT: The Badgers are 20-9-2 all-time against the Wildcats, being near flawless at home with a 10-2-2 record. Last time out, the Badgers fell to Northwestern 2-1 on Oct. 7, 2022.

Northwestern was previously ranked No. 18, but have since fallen out of the rankings. The team holds a 7-3-3 overall record but has struggled in conference play, with a 1-3-1 record. The Wildcats are coming off a 3-2 loss against Nebraska on Sunday, Oct. 1.

2.BADGERS ARE RANKED: For the first time this season, Wisconsin is nationally ranked by the United Soccer Coaches Association. The Badgers come in at No. 20 in the national rankings, being only one of three Big Ten teams to be ranked.

3. RECAPPING THE WEEK: Wisconsin is on a two-game win streak after taking down Purdue on Sunday, Oct. 1. The Senior Day match resulted in a 2-1 Badgers win, thanks to early goals by Emma Jaskaniec and Ashley Martinez. The team stayed strong, despite a comeback attempt by the Boilermakers. With the win, the Badgers now have a 3-1-1 conference record and sit third in the Big Ten Standings.

4. HOW TO FOLLOW: You can live stream the action through BIG+ or watch on the Big Ten Network.
Follow Wisconsin women's soccer on Twitter (@BadgerWSoccer) and Instagram (@badgerwsoccer).

5. UP NEXT: Wisconsin heads to Champaign to play Illinois on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. (CT).