In their first game at the Big Ten Tournament, Northwestern (2-4-1 Big Ten, 10-6-3 overall) defeated Wisconsin (4-3-0, 13-4-2) 2-1.
The loss was the first of the season for the Badgers since senior goalkeeper Max Jentsch took over the starting duties, having gone 4-1-1 after replacing redshirt freshman Casey Beyers in net.
The two goals Jentsch allowed are the most he has given up in his six starts. He surrendered just two in the previous five games combined, earning a shutout versus three Big Ten opponents.
The Wildcats scored the game’s first goal in the 31st minute. On a corner kick, NU sophomore midfielder Cole Missimo struck the ball to the far corner, and NU junior defender Grant Wilson sent it in to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead.
Fewer than 10 minutes later, Missimo recorded another assist, connecting with junior forward Eric Weberman to double the lead before halftime.
The Badgers finally broke through in the 59th minute when redshirt senior midfielder Tomislav Zadro found redshirt sophomore midfielder Carl Schneider for his second goal of the year.
Wisconsin had a chance to equalize the score in the closing minutes on another corner from Zadro, but Wildcat junior goalkeeper Tyler Miller was able to grab it out of the air and end the attack.
The Badgers controlled the possession for much of the night, and had many unsuccessful opportunities. UW earned eight corner kicks, and outshot Northwestern 12-6.
The Badgers have not made the NCAA tournament since winning the championship in 1995. And after losing in their opening-round game in the conference tournament, they will have to wait until Monday’s Selection Show to see if they have done enough to earn a bid.
UWBadgers.com contributed to this report.
