The Wisconsin men's soccer team needs an offensive boost. During their game Wednesday night against UW-Green Bay, the Badgers had plenty of opportunities but were unable to find the back of the net. They will be looking for more opportunities to arise when they travel to Evanston, Ill., for a Big Ten matchup against Northwestern at 7 p.m Saturday.
Defensively, the Badgers (3-6-2) held their own against Green Bay's dangerous offense, something that they need to continue against the Wildcats.
""We always look to communicate a lot on defense, especially against Northwestern, who is a pretty good team,"" freshman defenseman Danny Ahlering said. ""They are all pretty solid players. They work well as a group.""
Head coach Todd Yeagley knows Northwestern (7-1-4) will be a tough opponent, but his team should be well prepared.
""They have a few players that can hurt you and we will make sure our players are aware of their tendencies,"" Yeagley said.
Offensively, the Badgers contintue to struggle, but hope they can break through against the Wildcats.
""I feel like up top we are playing really well together and combining really good,"" junior forward Bryan Gerster, who led the Badgers in scoring attempts last game with four shots, said.
Gerster almost found the back of the net against Green Bay, but his shot hit the cross bar. Failures to catch a break like that one have plagued Wisconsin lately.
""We just aren't getting that little break that every other team seems to get on us,"" Gerster said.
For tomorrow's game, Yeagley wants his offense to assess its plays before they are made.
""We have to look at our performance and dangerous situations we are creating,"" he said.
Despite the offensive slump, Yeagley's confidence in his team has not faltered, and he knows this unlucky streak is breakable.
""We are creating chances,"" Yealey said. ""We just need to be a little more composed with our final touch.""
With only six games left in the regular season, including three Big Ten rivals and two in-state opponents, the Badgers are going to have to step up these next few weeks in order to be ready when postseason rolls around.
""We have six very difficult opponents left, but that's what our guys like,"" Yeagley said.
