Wisconsin's 1-0 loss on Senior Day Sunday to Minnesota at the McClimon Soccer Complex left the Badgers hanging their heads for two reasons. The six seniors in cardinal and white not only lost their last game in front of their home crowd, but the defeat also meant the loss of Wisconsin's control of gaining entry into the Big Ten Tournament.
Minnesota's only goal of the game was scored by junior forward Lindsey Schwartz off a pass from freshman forward Katie Bethke in the 41st minute of play.
The Badgers could not capitalize on any of their shot attempts throughout the game. In the first half, Wisconsin only had one shot. In the second half, Wisconsin's offense became more aggressive and attempted seven shots, none of which were shots on goal.
I think one thing that separates a lot of soccer games is people taking their chances,"" Wisconsin head coach Paula Wilkins said. ""[Minnesota] took their chance in the first half and did a very good job '¦ When you get your chances and opportunities, you need to be able to finish them off and we didn't do it again today, so that is something we need to refocus on.""
Minnesota registered 12 total shots on the game, eight of which were from the first half.
Schwartz led the Gophers with two shots on goal during the game. Junior midfielder Kaitlin Wagner also attempted one shot on goal.
Sophomore midfielder Krista Liskevych led Wisconsin with three shots, followed by junior forward Sheri Ferron who had two.
Wisconsin's junior goalkeeper Jamie Klages finished the game with two saves as Minnesota's goalkeeper, junior Lindsey Dare, did not have to make any saves.
On Friday night, the Badgers defeated Iowa 2-0 at the McClimon Soccer Complex, giving them their first Big Ten home win of the season. Liskevych netted a goal by heading a pass from senior midfielder Marissa Sarkesian in the 21st minute of play. This was Liskevych's first goal of the season and Sarkesian's third assist.
""We've had problems in the past of giving up the first goal really fast, so I think getting a first goal really helps. In no way did we see it as a cushion, but we came out and played even harder,"" Liskevych said.
In the second half, with just over eight minutes left in the game, Wisconsin's junior forward Tricia Kromach scored her fourth goal of the season. Senior defenders Shannon Terry and Katy Meuer were both credited with assists on the play.
Junior forward Taylor Walsh led Wisconsin with four shots during the game, one of which was a shot on goal. Iowa, as a team, only had three total shots, one being on goal.
Klages had one save on the night, and Hawkeye freshman goalkeeper Kali Feiereisel had two saves.
After Friday night's win, Wilkins said it could be enough momentum to carry throughout the remainder of the season.
Wilkins said, ""I would think so, I would hope so, I'm praying so, I am putting all my will so, and I don't know. I know nothing with this team, but I would say that I really want [the momentum to carry over].""
Two things need to happen in order for Wisconsin (2-7-0 Big Ten, 6-10-1 overall) to even have a shot at the Big Ten Tournament. First, Wisconsin will need to defeat Northwestern (3-4-2 Big Ten, 8-6-4 overall) on the road this Friday and Minnesota (5-4-0 Big Ten, 9-7-1 overall) will have to pull off a win against Iowa (3-6-0 Big Ten, 7-7-4 overall). Then, Wisconsin will need to be among the top eight teams, ranked by a point system set up by the coaches.
