Even though the Wisconsin men's soccer team suffered a devastating loss in the Big Ten Conference Championship game against Indiana Friday, head coach Jeff Rohrman said the Badgers will be ready for their next game against Michigan today as Ohio State hosts the Big Ten Tournament.
In the past two seasons, Wisconsin struggled in the tournament, losing its first round games to Michigan State in 2004 and Indiana in 2005.
The Badgers (3-2-1 Big Ten, 9-7-2 overall) head to Columbus, Ohio with the No. 3 seed. Wisconsin's conference record is the same as Ohio State's. However, Wisconsin's loss to the Buckeyes in the regular season granted the Buckeyes the No. 2 tournament seed. Michigan is the No. 6 seed, with a record of 6-9-4 overall and a conference record of 1-2-3. Earlier this season, the Badgers beat the Wolverines in a close game resulting in an overtime score of 2-1.
UW is currently riding on a three-game losing streak, having lost by one goal to Northern Illinois, UW-Green Bay and Indiana. Rohrman said he believes Wisconsin will be able to fight back and go into the Big Ten Tournament with flare.
""I don't think that [having a three game losing streak] will affect us,"" Rohrman said. ""It's a new season when it comes to tournament time. We played well in the last three games and we must bring some of those good elements with us [to the Big Ten Tournament].""
Sophomore forward Victor Diaz pointed to the past as a sign the Badgers will be ready this weekend.
""We have been able to bounce back from losing streaks in the past and we should be able to do that again in the tournament,"" Diaz said.
The Wolverines have a strong offensive presence on the field, but senior goalkeeper Jake Settle said he believes Michigan can be stopped.
""All we need to do is be solid in the back and not allow too many shots,"" Settle said. ""We also need to win our individual battles on the field.""
Offensively, Rohrman wants his team to take advantage of scoring opportunities, as well as concentrate on the little things in order to pick up a victory over Michigan.
Diaz agreed: ""We have to bring our game on Thursday [against Michigan] and keep the ball moving on offense. That and playing well are all we really need to do.""
If the Badgers defeat Michigan, their next game will be the following evening against the winner of No. 2 seed Ohio State and No. 7 seed Michigan State. The tournament is single elimination.
""We are foaming at the mouth a little bit and are not happy with the results of our last few games,"" Settle said. ""We want to leave the season with a lasting impression and without a bad taste in our mouths.""
