The University of Wisconsin men's soccer team (1-3 Big Ten, 6-8 overall) was unable to complete a valiant comeback Friday night, as they were beaten 2-1 in extra time by No. 22 Michigan (1-2, 8-4-2) Friday night at the McClimon Sports Complex.
Rain fell throughout the game and made for some sloppy play early in the game as both teams struggled to gain their footing.
\Certainly when you go into it, you play a little differently,"" Rohrman said. ""You play more to feet, with the wind, you've got to adjust some things and the types of balls you can give.""
It was Wisconsin who took the early initiative, largely thanks to the inventive runs of freshman midfielder B.J. Goodman, who had his way down the right flank for most of the match. Goodman, along with senior striker Nick Van Sicklen, created several chances at the start of the half, but neither was able to find the back of the net.
The best chance of the first half came in the 35th minute when sophomore forward Matt Jelacic flicked on a throw in from sophomore defender William Bagayoko. The flick rolled right into the path of sophomore midfielder Aaron Witchger, who toe-poked the ball just inches wide of the Michigan goal.
In the second half, Wisconsin continued to control the run of play, but with the introduction of Michigan junior Trai Blanks as a substitute forward, things began to come together for the Wolverines. The speedy attacker made several dangerous runs and put a lot of pressure on the UW defense.
Both teams exchanged counter-attacks, but neither was able to score. In the 83rd minute Van Sicklen was pulled down in the box, but the official turned down his appeals for a penalty.
Just three minutes later Michigan took the lead when freshman Steven Hecker slammed home a loose ball following a goalmouth scramble.
The Badgers responded immediately as freshman midfielder Eric Ortega stormed into the Michigan box and was pulled by a Wolverine defender. This time the penalty was awarded, and senior midfielder David Martinez stepped up to confidently slot home the spot kick just before full time.
In extra time, Wisconsin nearly clinched the victory on a cleverly-crafted play from Van Sicklen. The senior played a back heel to Jelacic who blazed his open shot over the bar.
That was the last chance the Badgers would get because just a minute later, Blanks found himself with space to the left of the Wisconsin goal and easily fired his shot past UW senior goalkeeper Eric Hanson.
There was some question as to whether or not Blanks was in an offside position when he received the ball, but a replay showed him to be onside and the goal was upheld, much to the chagrin of Rohrman and his team, who dominated the game throughout but were unable to capitalize on numerous chances.
""For the most part, I thought our guys defended well and I thought we played some good, attractive attacking soccer. Unfortunately, I thought the better team tonight didn't win.""
