MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin women's soccer team (9-2-3) claimed its third straight win of the season on Thursday night, taking down Northwestern (7-4-3) by a score of 2-1. The Badgers rise to second in the Big Ten standings with a conference record of 4-1-1.
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How it happened
It was full press by the Badgers from the get-go. Northwestern held possession in the Badgers' half only a handful of times in the first 10Â minutes as a result.Â
The pressure eventually proved to be too much for the Wildcats, with Wisconsin getting on the board in the 12th minute. Izzy Verdugo drove down the right side of the field and played a brilliant ball towards Emma Jaskaniec. Jaskaniec did not hesitate and buried the ball into the top right corner.
Jaskaniec was not done, doubling up in the 36th minute. This time the cross came on the left side of the field from Ashley Martinez, who squared it across the face of goal. Aryssa Mahrt made a deceptive run towards the ball but faked a shot and let it run by. The ball then fell to the senior, who hit it into the net on the half-turn.
Heading into the half, the Badgers were up 2-0.
The Wildcats came flying out the gate for the second half, initially putting the Badgers on their back foot. Not long after the start of the second half, Northwestern's Ella Hase scored. From there, the Badgers were able to contain the Wildcats defensively.
Unfortunately, the Badgers were awarded a red card in the 82nd minute, leaving them with only 10 players. Sophomore goalkeeper Drew Stover was called into action for her first career regular-season minutes. She helped close out the game for the Badgers and preserved the 2-1 victory.
Next up
Next up, the Badgers travel to Champaign to face Illinois in a conference match. The match is set for Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. (CT).
