The Badgers (0-4-0 Big Ten, 2-8-1 overall) return home for their next three games, starting with their first one Wednesday night. They’ll take on Loyola-Chicago (1-1-0 Missouri Valley, 4-4-2) for the sixth time in school history, with the Badgers having won all five previous matches in the all-time series.
Though Wisconsin has struggled to secure points this season, they have fared much better playing at home at the McClimon Complex. Following Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Michigan State, the Badgers fell to 0-5-0 on the road, but sport a 2-3-1 record in Madison.
All three home losses were by just one goal, including two of the three that went to overtime.
Despite the end result, head coach John Trask was encouraged by the team’s effort Saturday, in which they jumped out to the early lead against the No. 19 ranked Spartans.
"You're never happy to lose and we're not alright with accepting it, but at the same time we also have to be realistic," Trask said. "This team is starting to play Wisconsin soccer and to the level that I know they're capable of."
Freshman forward Mark Segbers assisted on the goal in the loss, which came less than two minutes into play, to add to his team-leading 11 points this season, good for a tie for fifth overall in the Big Ten.
Sophomore defender Matej Radonic was there to finish the cross from Segbers for the first goal of his Badger career.
The Ramblers are also winless on the road this season at 0-4-1, and will be looking to reverse that trend Wednesday.
Leading the Ramblers in net, junior goalkeeper Tim Dobrowolski has started all ten matches this year, recording five shutouts. On the year, Dobrowolski has 32 saves and a 0.66 goals against average.
Loyola has struggled at times offensively, having been shutout four times and averaging under a goal a game. Freshman forward Elliot Collier and junior midfielder Ryan Howe have led the offense so far, with two goals each.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday.
