The Wisconsin women's soccer team (4-1-0) is riding high on confidence after winning the Hoosier Classic last weekend and is ready to face the Boston University Terriers (3-3-0) and the Harvard Crimson (1-2-0) this weekend in Boston.
The Badgers will first face the Terriers Friday night at Nickerson Field which is expected to be an intense game, considering the Terriers just came off a big win over No. 19 Connecticut last Sunday.
Boston just beat UConn, so [the Terriers] are coming off a big emotional win for them and we will have to deal with their energy and what they bring,"" head coach Paula Wilkins said.
Wisconsin has done a nice job getting themselves in scoring positions and keeping other teams from threatening senior goalkeeper Jamie Klages.
Sophomore defender Taryn Francel said that the defense has been working on technical skills for keeping a strong defensive line.
""We [Wisconsin] are going to close up the space early, not let the forwards turn, be tougher than our opponents and stay aggressive,"" Francel said.
Not only has Wisconsin's defense been strong, but the midfield and the offense has been a very big threat to other teams. The Badgers have scored 11 goals thus far in the season and have had a total of 85 shots on goal (16 per game).
Wilkins attributes this success to people moving off the ball and being able to get into the box.
""[They] are being a little bit fearless and having faith in their teammates,"" Wilkins said. Senior Taylor Walsh leads the Badgers with a total of six goals for the season with freshman forward Laurie Nosbusch ranking second with three goals.
Wisconsin looks stronger every week and is only getting more confident and more determined to keep winning games.
""One thing we are getting through our heads is that we are not OK with losing. Losing is not an option right now. Our determination is our biggest strength and we are scoring goals, which is something we struggled a little with last year,"" Francel said.
Even with the continued improvements, Wilkins is not quite satisfied.
""I think with a younger team it is easy to get excited about two wins [in the Hoosier Tournament] and I'm just not satisfied. I want to keep pushing them to get better and better,"" Wilkins said.
The Badgers will have to face another Friday/Sunday schedule, an arrangement that gave Wisconsin a little trouble last weekend in Bloomington.
""Sunday games [are] a little more tiring,"" Francel said. ""We could kind of see it last week with players on the field, a little worn down from Friday's game. Overall, our fitness is good and I really think that we will be able to stay strong for both games.""
With morale high, the team is ready for Boston and Harvard on Friday and Saturday respectively.
""I think that this [winning] is exciting and I want to continue to build on that this weekend and ride that momentum,"" Wilkins said.
