Last Sunday, the Wisconsin women's soccer team fell to #6 Rutgers, 1-0, in the quarterfinal round of the Big Ten tournament.
The Scarlet Knights entered the match at #6 in the nation and #1 in the Big Ten, having gone undefeated in conference play (15-2 overall, 10-0 Big Ten). The Badgers entered at the bottom of the Big Ten tournament as the #8 seed (8-5, 3-4-4 Big Ten), and were the unfortunate team forced to play Rutgers.
Rutgers began the game with palpable intensity, generating two shots on goal in the first eight minutes. The aggression continued. In the 32nd minute, Rutgers’ Sara Brocious received a pass inside the goalie box and quickly fired the ball at senior goalie Jordyn Bloomer. After rebounding her own miss, Brocious tapped it in the center of the goal, 1-0 Rutgers.
The Badgers increased their intensity in the second half, totaling seven shots, but the Scarlet Knights outplayed them with 12 second half shots, maintaining their grasp on the game.
Wisconsin’s second half aggression came at a risk, leading the team to commit 10 fouls, which contributed to their 16 total fouls by the end of the game. By comparison, Rutgers only earned themselves three fouls in each half.
Overall, Wisconsin’s aggression resulted in too many costly mistakes. Conversely, Rutgers was able to maintain their intensity while minimizing error.
Despite the disappointing loss, the efforts of Jordyn Bloomer should not go unnoticed. The previous All-American and two-time Big Ten Goalie of the Year only allowed one of Rutgers 21 shot attempts to enter the net. Bloomer totalled 11 saves throughout the game, a career high. Facing one of the best teams in the country, in one of the final games of her storied career, Wisconsin's best player did not disappoint.
Bloomer wasn’t the only Badger to make meaningful contributions to the game. Senior midfielder Natalie Viggiano led the team in shots with five and two shots on goal. Gabby Green and Joyelle Washington each had two shots on goal as well, with Green playing for the entire 90 minutes.
Ultimately, Rutgers proved why they entered the Big Ten tournament as the first-seed. They remained consistent when it came to maintaining control, generating pressure, and avoiding mistakes, leading to their victory over the Badgers.
The Badgers will continue their tournament play against Butler this Friday, Nov. 12.
Donnie Slusher is the sports editor for the Daily Cardinal. He has written multiple breaking news stories, sports columns and an in-depth examination of race in Wisconsin football. Follow Donnie on Twitter at @DonnieSlusher_
