Coming off two tightly contested overtime matches, the Badgers (1-5-1 overall, 0-2-0 Big Ten) returned to conference play in a 2-0 loss to new Big Ten opponent Maryland (3-3-2 overall, 1-1-1 Big Ten).
The Badgers came into the night as one of the top scoring offenses in the Big Ten, but were unable to find the back of the net, getting shut out for the first time this season.
Maryland, coming off an appearance in the National Championship game a season ago, was unable to get on the scoreboard in the first half despite six corner kick attempts.
Although the Badgers had been outshot in the half six to three, head coach John Trask was encouraged by the team’s effort.
“I thought we played a very good first half,” Trask said. “Maryland is a team that was in the national championship last year. We’re closing the gap, but we’re not there yet. In many ways, I was very pleased.”
Though the Badgers have had strong second half showings this season, recording nine of their 10 goals this season after halftime, it was the Terrapins who opened the scoring, going up 1-0 in the 53rd minute on a goal from sophomore midfielder/forward Michael Sauers.
Following a free kick, Maryland sophomore midfielder Dan Metzger sent a header past redshirt sophomore goaltender Casey Beyers to put the Terrapins up 2-0 just six minutes later.
The Badger offense struggled for most of the night, but particularly in the second half, in which they managed just one shot, and finished the game with a season-low four shots overall.
For the Terrapins, it was their second straight shutout, and their third overall. Maryland also recorded its first conference win as a member of the Big Ten.
Wisconsin will return to action Wednesday, Oct. 1, when they’ll travel to in-state rival No. 13 Marquette, which has recorded a school record five straight shutouts.
