Starting strong will be the main priority when the Wisconsin men's soccer team takes on UW-Milwaukee at Engelmann Field Wednesday.
So far this season the Badgers have lost every game in which they fell behind, and Saturday's 3-0 loss to Northwestern was no different.
We were stagnant against Northwestern, and couldn't find energy in the first half,"" UW head coach Jeff Rohrman said. ""When we conceded an early goal, it put us under a lot of pressure. We had to push forward to try to score, and that left us open at the back.""
Following Saturday's loss, the Badgers (0-2-1 Big Ten, 5-4-2 overall) have now conceded six goals in their past two games.
Still, Rohrman drew some positives from the Badgers' performance.
""I think we responded well to going a goal behind,"" Rohrman said. ""We kept our work rate up and were the stronger team for the best part of the second half.""
""Against Michigan State, we were the better team in terms of possession and quality of play in the second half,"" he said. ""But we made a few mistakes, and when you make mistakes against a good team like Michigan State you get punished for it.""
Wednesday's non-conference game is a timely break for the Badgers, who have struggled in Big Ten play this season.
In UWM (2-0-1 Horizon, 2-8-1), the Badgers face a resurgent team that has won its last two matches and conceded only one goal in its last three.
Senior midfielder Zeke Dombrowski leads the Panthers with four goals on the season. Dombrowski's teammate freshman midfielder Robert Refai has recorded six points for UWM.
Wisconsin holds an 11-15-5 record against UWM. The Badgers shut out the Panthers 2-0 the last time they met in Milwaukee in 2005, while their most recent encounter ended 2-2 after double overtime at the McClimon Soccer Complex in September 2006.
Rohrman believes the Badgers have an edge over the Panthers in terms of athleticism and talent, and hopes they will be able to replicate their second half performances in Wednesday's match.
""We've had two great days of training, which will help us in our next match,"" said Rohrman. ""The guys have worked very hard and showed a lot of desire and intensity.""
""I expect a better performance from the team,"" said Rohrman. ""We need to bring more emotion and intensity to our game.""
The Badgers welcome back sophomore midfielder Pablo Delgado, who was sidelined with a thigh injury.
His skill on the ball and mazy dribbling will provide the Badgers with a welcomed offensive option.
Sophomore midfield anchor Taylor Waspi is unavailable with an ankle injury. In his absence, Rohrman intends to adjust the midfield shape and play with two forwards up front to generate a greater offensive thrust.
Yet more importantly, the key for the Badgers will be to stay focused on defense and not concede early against the Panthers.
A win will boost their confidence ahead of Saturday's Big Ten clash against Ohio State at 7 p.m. at the friendly confines of the McClimon Soccer Complex.
