The Badgers (2-0-0 Big Ten, 3-1-1 overall) defeated Northwestern (0-2-0 Big Ten, 1-5-0 overall) 2-1 in its third consecutive overtime game Wednesday in Evanston, winning its second successive conference match.
The Badgers continued the offensive potency they showed against Michigan, posting a season-high nine shots on target in Evanston. However, despite dominating the run of play, the Badgers led 22-5 in shots. John Trask’s team trailed for much of the game, as Northwestern’s junior forward Elo Ozumba notched the opening goal in the 13th minute.
Following this unfortunate lapse, the Badgers responded well, pressuring the Northwestern defense and frequently testing its junior goalie, Francisco Tomasino.
It seemed a matter of when, rather than if, the Badgers would score.
That moment would come in the 63rd minute, as a fantastic piece of play, from junior forward Mark Segbers, set up junior midfielder Christopher Mueller.
The 1-1 score line would hold until the end of regulation, but not much longer than that, as junior midfielder Mike Catalano scored the winner inside the 93rd minute.
Segbers provided the assist for the second time in the game, playing a great ball to Catalano who was able to end the game with his fifth shot of the day.
Not only did Mueller and Catalano help the Badgers to a second Big Ten win, but they did so in their home state of Illinois. If Wisconsin hopes to keep up its early success, these two will need to carry their strong form into the rest of the season.
The Badgers have more than a week until their next contest, as they will travel to Penn State next Friday, looking for a third straight conference win.
