Returning home, the Badgers men's soccer team (1-6-2) is coming off a 1-1 double overtime draw in their Big Ten opener against Indiana. Wisconsin will play host to the Huskies of Northern Illinois (4-3-2) in a midweek matchup on Wednesday night. In a game that is looking to shape up to be a defensive struggle, it will be crucial to find the back of the net.
Entering this week's game, NIU owns a goals against average of only 0.53, and are ranked 12th in the nation in that category. Even more daunting, Northern Illinois is ranked 10th in shutouts, blanking opponents at a rate of 56 percent.
However, the Badger defense, laden with freshmen like Paul Yonga and Luke Goodnetter, is not to be dismissed. Allowing 1.03 goals per game and holding a .808 save percentage, Wisconsin's back line is not often broken.
Starting in goal, freshmen keeper Max Jentsch is no slouch either. In his only start of the season, Jentsch impressed head coach John Trask. Playing the full 90 minutes, he saved 3 of the 4 shots that he faced.
""The young man that played at Marquette, Max Jentsch, who is a true freshman, was outstanding,"" Trask said. ""He'll start again on Wednesday night.""
Hoping to build on their success in Indiana, Trask feels that his team is ready to continue forward and will start seeing results.
""I think this is something that they'll use as motivation,"" Trask said.
Seeing improvement every time they take the field, the Badgers are now starting to step up their play. Able to begin to look at games from a more tactical viewpoint, they are starting to play the matchups that will give them the advantage.
""Our young guys continue to develop,"" Trask said. ""Wednesday will be a character game.""
Wisconsin is still looking for their second win of the season. Claiming the all-time series 16-11-0, the Badgers have the slight advantage historically. Despite this, the Huskies have taken 4 out of the last 6 decisions, winning the last meeting of these two teams 1-0 at Wisconsin just a season ago.
