To put the depth of the Badger men's soccer team's woes into perspective, consider the fact that they have not won in a month. Losers of seven straight, Wisconsin will look to turn things around when Marquette visits McClimon Soccer Complex for a 7 p.m. match tonight.
The Badgers (0-3-0 Big Ten, 4-9-0 overall) have not tasted victory since a Sept. 18 win in Albuquerque, N.M. over Butler. After that 1-0 shutout, they had a 4-2 record and appeared to be on the upswing.
Since then, Wisconsin has been beset by seven straight losses, the latest a 5-2 setback to defending national champion Indiana. Over the course of those past seven games the Badgers have been outscored by their opponents 14-4 and have been shutout on four occasions.
Head coach Jeff Rohrman seems to think the burden lies on the offense to get the ball rolling in the last five games of the regular season. \For the most part, we've been pretty solid defensively,"" he said. ""More than anything, there has to be a greater sense of urgency in getting people forward and getting people in the box, and also a better level of concentration.""
It is expected for that level of concentration to be there tonight against intrastate rival Marquette (1-5-1 Big East, 5-6-1 overall). Six players on the Badgers squad are from the Milwaukee metropolitan area, and many if not all, are involved in summer play against Marquette players.
Junior forward Matthew Jelacic, a Brookfield native, attended Marquette University High School and is familiar with many of the Golden Eagles.
""It's always nice to play Marquette,"" Jelacic said. ""It should be fun because it's my hometown.""
Coach Rohrman was asked if the game tonight carries any extra weight because of the opponent.
""Of course it does. There's such a history and tradition at all the state schools. There's a little extra competitiveness when you go up against those guys and maybe some bragging rights, for sure, with the guys that are in state. For sure there's a little extra meaning to it.""
Marquette, winless on the road this season, features two players with four points: freshman forward Duncan Silvert-Noftle and senior midfielder Blair Kohlmeyer.
Wisconsin is led in points by juniors Reid Johnson (7) and Aaron Hohlbein (6).
Coach Rohrman contends that the offense can build off of a strong showing last Friday night that saw multiple chances. ""From the offensive side I was pretty pleased with the way we created some things. I think we have to continue to push forward.""
