MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin women's soccer team returns home for a pair of non-conference matchups this week. The Badgers host Northern Illinois on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. (CT) before welcoming Colorado to Madison on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 12 p.m. (CT). Sunday's match will also serve a Senior Day, with Wisconsin honoring its graduating student-athletes in a pregame ceremony.
Five things to know:
1. Wilkins at the helm
Head coach Paula Wilkins enters her 19th season leading the Badgers as the winningest coach in program history with a 207-106-62 record. She ranks second among active Big Ten coaches in career victories (326) and conference titles (8).
2. Scouting the Huskies
Wisconsin holds a perfect 11-0 all-time record against Northern Illinois, with the most recent meeting coming in 2022 when the Badgers secured a 3-0 win at home.
The Huskies enter Thursday's contest with a 2-2-1 record, coming off a 2-1 victory over Eastern Illinois. Junior forward Tyra King leads NIU in scoring with two goals, while goalkeeper Morgan Lucich has recorded one shutout, six saves, and carries a .750 save percentage.
3. Scouting the Buffaloes
Wisconsin and Colorado have met just once in program history, a 4-2 Badger victory in the 2001 season.
The Buffaloes are off to a strong start, posting a 5-0-1 record. Junior forward Hope Leyba has been the offensive leader, scoring nine goals and registering 12 shots on target. In net, senior Jordan Nytes has earned one shutout and has allowed no more than one goal in any game this season. She currently holds a .857 save percentage.
4. Last time out
Wisconsin suffered its first loss of the season, falling 1-0 at LSU. The match remained scoreless until the 89th minute when the Tigers converted a header for the game's only goal. Despite the loss, the Badgers held the advantage in corner kicks, 5-1.
5. How to follow
Thursday's match against Northern Illinois will stream live on B1G+. Fans can also follow live stats at UWBadgers.com and in-game updates on social media (@BadgerWSOC on Instagram, X, and Facebook).
