The No. 15 Wisconsin Women's Soccer Team (5-1-0 overall) was able to withstand a late surge in regulation and survived in double-overtime to beat Illinois State (3-2-2 overall), 3-2, at the McClimon Soccer Complex on Sunday afternoon to conclude their non-conference home schedule. The Badgers have now started 5-1 for the second straight year.
“I give great credit to Illinois State, they had a game plan that we didn't do well to adapt to,” Head Coach Paula Wilkins said. “I’d like to finish a few more of our chances if we can, but it’s really great to get Paige (Adams) and Cara (Walls), our two forwards, on the board.”
Both defenses got off to a strong start as both held their ground but the Badgers were able to capitalize offensively first in the 27th minute. Senior defensemen, Lindsey Johnson, crossed the ball into the box that was controlled by sophomore forward, Cara Walls. Walls was able to get an initial shot on goal but was knocked away by sophomore goalkeeper, Aryn Newsom, which allowed Walls to get the rebound and put it in the back of the net for a 1-0 lead heading into the half.
As the second half got underway, the Redbirds were aggressive offensively and it paid off at the 52:17 mark. Junior midfielder Anna Stinson was able to create separation from the Wisconsin defense just outside the box and drilled it perfectly to the top right corner of the net to tie the score at one.
The offensive fireworks weren't over, though. In the 60th minute, Wisconsin benefited from an Illinois State handball that set up a penalty kick for junior forward Paige Adams that resulted in her fourth goal of the season to give the Badgers a 2-1 advantage. The Redbirds would answer back with a goal at the 83:59 mark from the foot of standout sophomore forward Rachel Tejada that was placed in the top left corner from 12 yards out to equal the score again, this time at two.
In the 103rd minute, Wisconsin was able to get an offensive scoring opportunity and capitalized on it as senior midfielder Joana Bielefeld received a cross from freshmen midfielder Kinley McNicoll and placed a header inside the box to the foot of Walls, who collected it and scored her second goal of the game and the game-winner to seal the victory, 3-2.
Wisconsin returns to action on the road as it takes on in-state rival Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
