Following their third overtime match in their last five contests, the Badgers (1-7-1 overall) will look to get back on track against in-state rival UW-Green Bay (3-4-3).
Wisconsin is coming off yet another close game, its fourth match of the year decided by one goal. They have been unable to convert any of those into points though, losing all four including two in overtime.
Despite the disappointing final result, freshman play has continued to be a positive for the Badgers. Freshman forward Tom Barlow collected his team-leading third assist in the 2-1 loss to Michigan Saturday, and freshman goalkeeper Adrian Remeniuk set a career high with five saves in his first start in net since the beginning of September.
In the loss, Wisconsin outshot the opposition 19-10, at least creating some hope of a turnaround in the next few games.
Green Bay is also looking to turn its season around, going winless in its last five matches after starting the year 3-2-0.
The Phoenix and Badgers have had similar fates thus far, as seven of Green Bay’s games have either ended in a tie or been decided by just one goal. The similarities between the two Wisconsin clubs goes deeper, as the Phoenix, who have gone to extra time in half of their games this season, have also gone to overtime in three of their past five matches, all of which went the full two extra periods.
Sophomore midfielder Audi Jepson has been the offensive leader for the Phoenix, who are coming off a 2-0 defeat.
Jepson’s nine goals and 21 total points puts him at the top of both categories in the Horizon League, and tied for fourth in all of Division 1 soccer.
In addition to stopping Jepson, the Badger defense will also try to contain junior forward Fayçal Oulahbib, who ranks in the top 10 in the Horizon in both goals and points as well.
While Green Bay’s strength this season has been its offense, with 19 goals in 10 matches, junior goalkeeper Dani Alvarado has kept the Phoenix tough on the defensive side. In eight games played, he has stopped 31 shots and holds a goals against average of 1.09.
Ultimately both teams will be looking for their first win since early September, and with the way the two clubs have played, another tight one could be in store.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the McClimon Complex.
