Wisconsin Roster | Northwestern Roster
Live Stats

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin men's soccer team returns home after a two-game road trip for its home Big Ten opener against the No. 19 Northwestern Wildcats. The game will air on the Big Ten Network in one of two national TV games for Wisconsin this season.

Here's some things to look out for before the game.

1 – Lock Down – Wisconsin's strong defense has been in full force so far in the season. They have shut out their opponents in five of the first seven games they've played. The last time UW started a season like that was 2007. Keeper Nate Crockford and the Badgers' five shutouts lead the Big Ten and are the second most in the country.

2 – Dynamic Duo – A key reason for the Badgers' string of shutouts is the defensive pairing of Drew Brown and Ryan Quintos. The sophomore and junior have both started every game for the Badgers, and are both top five in minutes played. Each of them made potential game-saving plays in last match's tie against Indiana.
 

66' | Ryan Quintos breaks up the scoring chance for Indiana, and draws the foul!

Wisconsin, 0
Indiana, 0 pic.twitter.com/UROUaRhEWG

— Wisconsin Soccer (@BadgerMSoccer) September 16, 2023

 

36' | Drew Brown makes the play and blocks a good look from the Hoosiers.

Wisconsin, 0
Indiana, 0 pic.twitter.com/7e6tWQqfVu

— Wisconsin Soccer (@BadgerMSoccer) September 16, 2023

3 – Key in on Keenan – Maxwell Keenan leads the Badgers this year with three assists and five points. The senior has experience scoring against the Wildcats, knocking in the game-winner against Northwestern last season, one of his team-best seven goals.  

4 – Weiss and the Wildcats – Northwestern is off to a 6-0-1 record this year, its best start since 2007. Leading the way for NU is senior forward Justin Weiss who's had a hand in 10 of the 14 total Northwestern goals this season with six goals and four assists. His 16 points not only lead the Big Ten, but are tied for the second most in the country.

5 – Strength of Schedule – Wisconsin's winning record seven games into the season is notable for its quality of opponents faced in that stretch. UW's first seven opponents boast a combined 25-14-7 record. Two of those opponents were ranked at the time of the game -- Kentucky at No. 2 and Indiana at No. 23 -- while Marquette has since been ranked at No. 13. Northwestern proves to be another challenge with a 6-0-1 record and ranked 19th.

Extra Time – The game will be aired on the Big Ten Network in one of two national TV games for Wisconsin this season. Live updates can be found on the @BadgerMSoccer X page – formerly twitter, as well as @badgermsoccer on Instagram.

Kickoff on Friday is set for 7 p.m. CT, at McClimon Soccer Complex. As always, admission is free for all!

Up Next: Wisconsin continues Big Ten play at home against Maryland on Sunday, Sept. 24. The game is the first in a double header with the women's team, and is set to begin at noon.