The Wisconsin women’s soccer team’s (2-1-1 Big Ten, 7-2-2 overall) six-game undefeated streak came to an end with a 2-1 loss in their Big Ten home opener against No. 8 Penn State (4-0-0, 10-1-1) at McClimon Soccer Complex Friday.
The team is currently ranked No. 18 in the country and just returned from a three-game road stretch, defeating both Purdue (2-2-0, 7-4-1) and Michigan State (1-3-0, 7-3-2) and tying 0-0 (2OT) with No. 13-ranked Michigan (2-1-1, 8-2-1) along the way. The Nittany Lions, however, proved to be too much for the Badgers to handle.
Penn State came out strong early in the first half, heavily pressuring the Wisconsin defense. The Badgers responded well, with a few attacks of their own. The Nittany Lions found the back of the net first, with a goal by redshirt senior Tani Costa in the 30th minute.
“Their pressure in the first half was good and it showed us a little bit of what we need to be able to do to be at that level,” head coach Paula Wilkins said. “I think they pressured the ball all over the place and they pressured well, and they came fast. I think if we were able to play a little bit quicker we might have been able to get out of it.”
Five minutes later, Penn State struck again. A header by senior forward Maya Hayes put the Nittany Lions ahead by two at the half, despite the Badgers’ determined offensive efforts.
Going into the second half, both teams continued the aggressive, fast-paced style of play seen throughout the first half. Finally, in the 66th minute, freshman midfielder Rose Lavelle scored after a shot by sophomore midfielder Kinley McNicoll was deflected by Penn State’s defense to bring the score to 2-1.
Although the team did not come off the field with the win they wanted, the game represents a step forward for the team, according to senior midfielder Alev Kelter.
“I think we had an amazing fight tonight. We didn’t get the win but we definitely moved forward as a team and we know we can play with a top-10 team,” she said.
The Badgers continue Big Ten play Sunday, facing Ohio State (1-1-2, 7-2-3) at McClimon at 11:30 a.m. Looking forward, there’s no doubt that there are lessons to be learned from this game.
“I think that everyone on our team is on the same page that we have to come out and win. Losing three points at home is a big deal so we have to make sure we get those three back on Sunday,” said redshirt junior defender Alexandra Heller. “We just have to bring the kind of emotion and passion that we did tonight on Sunday and make sure that we get the result.”
