After two straight weekends and four games away from home, the University of Wisconsin men's soccer team is more than ready to return home for its match against IUPUI Friday night at the McClimon Soccer Complex.
The Badgers (3-3-0) will look to win consecutive games for the first time all season while IUPUI (5-1-0) is coming off its first loss of the fledgling campaign.
A year ago, these two teams met at a tournament in Dayton, Ohio, with the Badgers earning an easy 5-0 victory. But this IUPUI team is a far cry from the one that suffered that thrashing at the hands of the Badgers a season ago. The Jaguars have consistently rated in the top 10 of the Great Lakes region in the NSCAA/Adidas poll. UW Head Coach Jeff Rohrman has stressed to his team that what happened last year is in the past and this is a new IUPUI team, one that cannot be disregarded or overlooked.
\We can't take anything from last year and apply it to this year,"" Rohrman said. ""We have to go on what they've done this year. Certainly, they're on a good roll and will be a quality opponent on Friday.""
One reason for the Jaguars' revival is freshman midfielder Vagnel Nacovski. Through six games, the freshman has scored an astounding 11 goals. According to Rohrman, IUPUI has been able to sneak up on several opponents this year, but also said the Badgers will not be caught off guard.
""I think with IUPUI, a few teams have maybe overlooked them this year,"" Rohrman said. ""You know, they had a bit of a rough season last year, but as I told our guys, they are much improved ... They've demonstrated that they can score goals and they can beat teams. They're a deeper team, they're a more talented team and they're a more experienced team.""
Dealing with the IUPUI attack will be difficult; fortunately for the Badgers, senior goalkeeper Eric Hansen has kept the Badgers in games all season. Another strong offensive opponent does not worry Hansen in the least.
""Obviously I'd like to have the defense take care of it,"" Hansen said. ""And maybe it's just arrogance, but I have confidence in my ability that in the run of play I don't really think that many people can score on me.""
If Hansen's confidence isn't enough, Wisconsin also has the home field advantage on their side. While the return home may not seem like much, it's a big deal to the players.
""We've been gone, it seems like, forever,"" Hansen said. ""I can't even remember playing at our home field ... This way we can focus on just one game and hopefully take care of business and then enjoy the rest of the weekend.""
Since any UW student can attend the game for free, Hansen and the rest of the Badgers are hoping there will be a large crowd on hand to cheer them on.
