The No. 12 Badgers (6-2-1 Big Ten, 12-2-1 overall) took down Northwestern 2-0 on a road trip in Evanston, Ill. This was the fourth game in ten days for the Badgers and came against a Wildcats team coming off their first conference win. The Badgers benefited from a career day by goalkeeper Genevieve Richard and goals from senior forward Cara Walls and junior midfielder Kinley McNicoll.
Richard’s play in goal kept Wisconsin in control of the game. She stopped all 20 of Northwestern’s shots, 10 of which were on goal. The 10 saves were a career high for Richards. This was Wisconsin’s 12th shutout this year, and the Badgers have not allowed a goal in all but two of their wins this season.
Walls gave Wisconsin an early lead scoring off a corner in the first twenty minutes of the game, her team-leading ninth of the season. The corner was taken by McNicoll and Walls made it count by redirecting the ball past the Northwestern keeper.
In the second half Northwestern increased their pressure on the Wisconsin goal, but each time the Wildcats had a scoring opportunity Richards was there to deny them.
Wisconsin put the final nail in the coffin when McNicoll scored on a free kick to put the Badgers ahead 2-0. McNicoll leads the team in points with 20, and also holds the lead in assists with seven.
With this win, Wisconsin improved to an impressive 6-1-0 record away from home. Wisconsin will try to continue their winning ways as they travel to Minnesota for their next game.
