MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin women's soccer team (6-2-3) suffered its first Big Ten loss of the season - against Michigan State (7-2-2) on Sunday. The final score was 1-0. 

How it happened

The Badgers welcomed the reigning Big Ten champions to the McClimon Soccer Complex for an important conference game. 

The Spartans got on the board first, scoring in the 11th minute to put them up 1-0. Not soon after, Wisconsin elected for a tactical change by switching from its typical 4-3-3 formation to a more offensive minded 3-5-2. This allowed the Badgers to get more numbers and create more opportunities in the Spartan's half. Heading into the half, the Badgers were down 1-0.

Coming out of the second half, sophomore Liv Curry and freshman Taylor Gordon slotted into the starting lineup. Head coach Paula Wilkins utilized the team's depth throughout the second 45 minutes to keep constant pressure on the Spartans. A total of 21 players saw the field for the Badgers in the match.

While the team kept the pressure up and had opportunities to score in the second half, the Badgers were not able to level the game.

Next up

The Badgers travel to Minneapolis on Thursday for a rivalry match against Minnesota. The conference match is scheduled for 6 p.m. (CT).