Just six days after suffering one of the worst defeats in recent memory — a 6-0 home loss to Michigan State — the Wisconsin women’s soccer team responded immediately, dismantling the Minnesota Golden Gophers 3-0 Saturday in St. Paul.
The Badgers wasted no time asserting control, recovering the poise and precision that went missing a week ago. In the ninth minute, graduate forward Adee Boer scored the opening goal after capitalizing on a clean cross from sophomore midfielder Jenna Baumann, slotting a composed finish past Minnesota goalkeeper Sarah Martin.
Following a corner kick from freshman defender Kiara Gilmore, the ball was linked through junior defender Ella Ottey, who slipped a perfect, sly pass to graduate midfielder Maddie Ishaug.
Ishaug then threaded a beautiful cross into the box that missed Martin but deflected off Minnesota forward Mariah Nguyen. Sophomore forward Brooke Allen didn’t miss the chance, burying the ball into the goal before Nguyen could rush to fix her mistake.
The onslaught didn’t stop there. Junior midfielder Delaney Cox added the third goal in the 36th minute following a genius move from junior forward Taylor Gordon, giving Wisconsin a 3-0 advantage before halftime. By the break, Wisconsin had outshot Minnesota 14-4 and controlled nearly every phase of play.
Minnesota was intent on responding after halftime, determined for a remontada.
Minnesota generated seven shots in the second half but struggled to break through Wisconsin’s airtight defense. Stover came up with crucial stops in the 62nd and 82nd minutes to preserve the shutout, while Ottey, junior defender Hailey Baumann and graduate defender Ashley Martinez kept their line, frustrating a Gopher offense that managed just five shots on goal all afternoon.
Wisconsin showed some late discipline lapses, collecting several fouls and two yellow cards. One came against Stover in the 68th minute and another for Allen in the 82nd, but the Badgers’ composure held firm enough to close out the win.
Wisconsin’s depth and efficiency across the roster made this victory particularly impressive. Head coach Paula Wilkins rotated heavily, with 15 Badgers seeing game time and nine recording shots. Martinez led all players with seven shots (three on goal), and finished with 19 total shots to Minnesota’s 11 and a 9-5 edge in shots on target.
The Badgers also demonstrated offensive balance, with all three goals being from three different players and three separate assist providers, underscoring the team’s adaptability in attack.
With the win, Wisconsin climbed to 3-2-1 in the conference and 9-3-1 overall.
The Badgers returned to the McClimon Complex Thursday, beating No. 9 UCLA 1-0.
As the team walked off the field in St. Paul, their message was clear: despite their brutal loss to Michigan State, Wisconsin has ambition, depth and the balance to contend for the Big Ten crown.
