The Wisconsin women's soccer team (2-1-0) proved to be too much for the Western Michigan Broncos to handle, with a 3-0 victory Friday night at the McClimon Soccer Complex.
The Badgers kept control the entire game by keeping constant pressure on the Broncos.
In the 24th minute, sophomore defender Taryn Facel connected with freshman forward Laurie Nosbusch inside the box for the first goal.
Wisconsin's intensity only increased thereafter, and in the 61st minute, after a trip in the penalty box caused by Western Michigan freshman defender Victoria Slavin, freshman midfielder Erin Jacobsen made the Broncos pay by scoring the second point off of a penalty kick.
Senior forward Taylor Walsh scored the third goal in the 85th minute.
Western Michigan did threaten the Badgers by applying ball pressure in the midfield. Late in the second half, the Broncos threatened senior goalkeeper Jamie Klages with two attempts at goal, both hitting the cross bar. The Broncos were able to control both rebounds but were called offsides to put Wisconsin at ease. Western Michigan sophomore goalkeeper Julia Francy had three saves for the night while Klages had four. Both goalkeepers played 90 minutes.
Wisconsin head coach Paula Wilkins was pleased with her team's performance. Wilkins said she believes the Broncos exposed Wisconsin's weaknesses, which will help better prepare them for the Big Ten. She also said the team needs to work on little touches on the ball because of the speed of the Big Ten conference.
Our positioning needs to be better, and our anticipation to close down space,"" Wilkins said.
The Badgers out shot the Broncos 15 to 11. With Wisconsin taking care of the little things on the field, such as crisp passes and first touches on the ball, it was able to prove to be the stronger team Friday night.
""We were all over [Western Michigan],"" Jacobsen said. ""We kept running at them and constantly getting people forward.""
Wisconsin had multiple opportunities to score with several threatening offensive options appearing from all angles. With each player doing something different and making sure the little things are done right on the field, Wisconsin should be a threat once conference games come around in late September.
Wisconsin had many opportunities off crosses from the outside toward the goal to keep Western Michigan on its toes. The Badgers' speed off the ball and constant pressure were two ingredients for their second victory of the season.
The Badgers won't play again until this weekend, when they will head to Bloomington, Ind., to participate in the Hoosier Classic. Their first match is Friday at 5 p.m. against Cal Poly (0-0-3).
