Wisconsin wins opener against Mastodons

Thursday, August 24

Madison, WI

7 p.m.

Wisconsin Badgers

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Purdue Fort Wayne

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Purdue Fort Wayne

Wisconsin

Wisconsin wins opener against Mastodons

August 24, 2023 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Dryden’s goal is all Badgers' need in shutout

By: Jake Ross

MADISON – The Wisconsin Badgers men's soccer team notched a win in their first game of the season on Thursday at McClimon Soccer Complex. UW finally broke through with a goal in the second half, which ended up being the difference in a team and Nate Crockford-led shutout.

How It Happened:
The Badgers held a large shot advantage though the first half, and finally four minutes into the second half, sophomore Mitchell Dryden finished a Maxwell Keenan cross with his head and gave Wisconsin the lead, as well as its first goal of the season.

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The Badgers found themselves on the attack early in the game, totaling eight shots in just the first 20 minutes of the game, including an early crossbar, but were unable to find the back of the net.

UW led 10-2 in shots at halftime.

UW continued the pressure in the second half, even after grabbing the lead. The Mastodons made their push late in the game, but UW's defense was up to the task.

Comments from the Coach: "It's always a tough game that first game. It was hot, but that goes for both teams. We had to grind. We're really happy that we're 1-0. Congrats to PFW for putting up a really good performance and a really good fight." – Neil Jones

Key Notes:

Six players made their official badger debut – Nate Crockford, Birgir Baldvinsson, Ryan Quintos, Markie Hrvojevic, Trip Fleming, and Thomas Raimbault
Mitchell Dryden scored his third career goal with the Badgers, scoring two last season.
Nate Crockford picked up the first Badger's clean sheet of the season, he record eight last year for the UCLA Bruins.

Up Next: Wisconsin will look to finish the week with a win against the Drake Bulldogs on Sunday, Aug. 27, at McClimon Soccer Complex. Kickoff will be at 1 pm CT, and can be streamed on the B1G+ App and on the web at bigtenplus.com.