The University of Wisconsin Women's Soccer team (2-1-2 Big Ten, 7-4-2 overall) will look to get back on track as they take on Big Ten newcomer Nebraska (2-3-0, 5-6-1), in Lincoln on Friday night. The Badgers haven't recorded a victory since Sept. 23rd at Michigan State.
""We tied and lost to two very good teams so we know that going forward that we have confidence in our ability to win out in the Big Ten,"" senior forward Laurie Nosbusch said.
Nebraska, No. 9 in the Big Ten, is looking to bounce back from three-consecutive losses. Despite their current losing streak, the Nebraska offense has been extremely dynamic this season, averaging almost three goals a game. The offensive charge is led by junior forward Morgan Marlborough, who leads the nation in both goals per game (1.33) and points per game (3.00). Senior forward Molly Thomas leads the Cornhuskers with six assists and leads the conference with four assists since league play began.
""[Nebraska] has two very dangerous forwards and they put a lot on pressure on you,"" head coach Paula Wilkins said. ""They are very good at home and we have to be good to keep the ball and take our opportunities and put them on the defense.""
Although they will be challenged, the Badgers defense has been stout this year, led by senior goalkeeper Michele Dalton, who is second in the Big Ten with a goals-against average of 0.73.
Despite Nebraska making its debut in the Big Ten this year, these two teams have met three previous times in non-conference games, where Nebraska holds a 2-0-1 advantage. As a newcomer, Nebraska brings new elements to the Big Ten and a certain style of play that members of the Big Ten are not accustomed to.
""In the first year here, [Nebraska] brings surprise and mystery but also I think they bring a very attacking, pressure-oriented attack which is very exciting,"" Wilkins said.
