The Wisconsin women's soccer team has been streaky all season, but looks to extend its current hot streak to the postseason. The Badgers sprinted to a 6-0 start before stumbling in late September and going winless in their next four contests. Since then they have racked up a 5-1 record in the month of October as they enter this weekend's games against UW-Milwaukee and UW-Green Bay.
Last Friday night the Badgers prevailed in a defensive effort over struggling Michigan State 1-0 with the lone goal coming off a header by sophomore midfielder Kara Kabellis. While the offense for the most part was held in check, freshman goalkeeper and the defense teamed up to record the team's fifth shutout of the year. In the process, the Badgers clinched a spot in the Big Ten tournament.
Their latest triumph came at the expense of No. 13 Michigan with a score of 3-1. Wisconsin's offensive ringleader all year, senior forward Amy Vermeulen scored her 11th goal on the season and assisted on another in the upset. With the win, UW closed out their conference schedule with a 5-4-1 record and became the first team to score three goals against the Wolverines since September 2002.
\We have won three Big Ten games in a row and that was a goal for this team"" said Head Coach Dean Duerst. ""I think we accomplished a lot this weekend by getting above .500 in the conference, and securing a spot in the conference tournament.""
Duerst was pleased with his team's effort, well-aware that the Badgers faced and beat two teams who were equally desperate for conference wins.
""I was very impressed with a shutout against Michigan State on Friday night because they knew they needed to score and do something to salvage themselves and their season, but we still found a way,"" said Duerst.
The game against Michigan was one of Wisconsin's best all-around efforts of the Big Ten season-a game in which they captured the lead at the 12:52 mark on a Vermeulen penalty kick and never looked back. UW now faces their second-to-last weekend before beginning Big Ten Tournament play the first week of November. Coach Dean Duerst would like to make sure his team paces itself, stays healthy and holds onto its momentum.
""We want to continue to build on how we've been playing the last month,"" said Duerst. ""What we found is that our structure and organization as a team overall has come together more. Our backs are not only more comfortable with the ball and helping us advance, but are now more comfortable pressuring opponents and locking teams in-they're forcing some great turnovers because of their pressure.""
He points not only to the Badgers' play as a whole, but to the leadership of his core of seniors who have been integral part in the team's surge. ""We are a very confident team right now and the one thing that confident teams do is stay focused.""
That focus will likely translate to postseason success and possible advancement to the NCAA Tournament. His seven seniors who provide the intangible ingredients-as well as numerical stats-to a recipe for achievement, have their coach's confidence as the season nears its end.
""They have a vision of what it takes, they have been to Big Ten championships before, and they have been in some NCAA play. These kids have tasted that and I think they are really hungry for it,"" said Duerst.
The Badgers know it is important not to overlook this weekend's match-ups-not only to avoid the prospect of their energy being deflated-but because of the pride involved.
Said Duerst, "" ... [the team realizes] and I truly believe they're experienced to understand the value of these games-is that these are state rivals.""
We make sure that one of the goals we set for the season is to be the best team in the state and this is our opportunity.\
