By Andrew Dambeck
the daily cardinal
Coming off a spectacular one-loss month of September and winning five of its last eight games, the UW men's soccer team (8-3-2) will be focused on continuing its recent success en route to the Big Ten Tournament beginning Nov. 11.
The Badgers' winning ways have caught the attention of Soccer America, who ranked UW No. 22 in the nation for the first time since 2002. The coming weeks for the Badgers will be crucial, and the level of competition will be tough in October.
After a challenging weekend with victories over Northwestern and Illinois-Chicago, the Badgers will have their hands full tonight against the Western Illinois. The Leathernecks come into Madison riding a four game winning streak, the longest ever during head coach Eric Johnson's nine year tenure.
Headed by the 20 point duo of sophomore forward Victor Diaz and sophomore defender Zach Lambo, the Badgers will try to crack the stingy Leatherneck defense, which has not allowed a goal during the win streak.
Although it has been nearly 18 years since the Leathernecks last played in Madison (ending in a 0-0 draw), their track record in recent years against Big Ten opponents has been less than spectacular, including three consecutive losses to Big Ten teams in the 2004 NCAA Tournament. The match up will take place tonight at 6 p.m. at the McClimon Soccer Complex.
Arguably, the more marquee match-up for UW will be at Ohio State this Sunday in Columbus. The Buckeyes have outscored opponents 17 to 12 this year and are fresh off two emotional wins against inner state foe and soccer power-house University of Akron, as well as handing Penn State its first conference loss since 2004 last Sunday.
Forward Xavier Blac of the Buckeyes earned Big Ten offensive player of the week honors last week after assisting on three goals in those two crucial victories. On paper, the Badgers and Buckeyes match up rather evenly both offensively and defensively, so it is very likely the game will be close.
Two opponents at their peak in only one week may be a real telling point on whether or not the Badgers will be able to persist as their regular season begins to come down to the wire. With even tougher opponents down the road, it is very important that the team stays focused and continues to find ways to win in adverse conditions.
Nevertheless, with the national spotlight shining on Madison, it is up to the leaders to take advantage of the recognition and put together another winning month and possibly muster a Big Ten title come November. For now, Western Illinois and Ohio State await Wednesday and Sunday.
