In a game that the Wisconsin men's soccer team could not afford to lose, sophomore goalkeeper Alex Horwath produced another outstanding display in the Badgers' 0-0 draw against UW-Green Bay Thursday evening.
One of the most consistent performers on the team this season, the sophomore goalkeeper made four saves against Green Bay to extend his shutout streak to 476 minutes and 17 seconds. Horwath now has five shutouts in six career starts.
After a 3-1 loss in their previous match, the Badgers traveled to Santaga Stadium in Green Bay eager to avoid a second consecutive defeat just before the Big Ten season.
In a game of many chances, both defenses came out tops as the match ended in a goalless stalemate.
It was a very well-fought college game between two outstanding teams,"" head coach Jeff Rohrman said. ""Both teams had good chances, and I was pleased with our intensity.""
Wisconsin's sole attempt on goal throughout the match came when sophomore midfielder Pablo Delgado drew a save from Phoenix goalkeeper Adam Stikl in the first half.
The match then exploded into life in the second half as both teams upped the intensity.
The Phoenix had the better of the second-half exchange as they peppered the Badgers' goal with shots, but they simply could not find a way past the towering figure of Horwath.
And on the one occasion when Horwath was beaten, midfielder Aaron Nichols produced a diving header clearance in the final seconds of regulation to send the match into overtime.
Despite outshooting the Phoenix 5-1 in overtime, the Badgers could not direct their attempts on target and the match finished in a tie.
Rohrman took plenty of positives from the result. ""Green Bay is one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the country and I think that some teams get caught when they overlook them,"" he said.
""They have unbelievable athleticism and pace and I think that at the end of the season, this tie on the road will prove to be valuable.""
The Badgers kicked off Big Ten play Sunday afternoon against Michigan in Ann Arbor.
