The Badgers (1-1-0 Big Ten, 2-6-0 overall) will close out their three-game homestand Wednesday still searching for their first win in Madison this season.
To do that, they’ll have to beat in-state rival Green Bay (0-1-1 Horizon, 1-5-2) for the third straight time. All time, the series is tied at 18-18-1, dating back to the 1977 season.
While the atmosphere may not be as big of a factor as it was last match when the 1995 national championship-winning team was honored pregame in a nationally televised game, the in-state matchup always makes for an intense environment.
The rivalry took a rare year off in 2013, but the Badgers and Phoenix have faced each other nearly every season for the past 38 years. In 19 contests held in Madison at the McClimon Soccer Complex, the Badgers hold a 12-7 edge.
Wisconsin was shut out through its first three home contests, but was able to get on the board in a losing effort against No. 11 Maryland Sunday. In the 4-1 loss, sophomore forward Tom Barlow, who tied for the team lead in goals in his first year with the team, scored his first goal of the season.
The Phoenix have struggled to find the back of the net this year as well, scoring just two goals through eight contests, including a streak of five consecutive games in which they have been shut out. Junior midfielder Audi Jepson, who led the conference in scoring last year, has accounted for both Green Bay goals, with senior forward Cheenuj Shong the only other Phoenix to land on the score sheet.
The Badgers fell into an early 2-0 hole against the Terrapins their last time out, but managed to stay close throughout, registering nine shots and six corner kicks. Yet, the lopsided deficit could serve as a wakeup call for a young team still trying to find its stride.
“Maryland is a good team and you’ve got to give them credit for that performance. I don’t think they were that many goals better than us,” senior midfielder Drew Conner said after the loss. “Still, I definitely think it’s a reality check. Playing a top-ranked team like that, we got exposed in a lot of areas and we know what we need to work on in training.”
To rebound, the Badgers will need to turn in a stronger defensive performance. During its two-game winning streak, Wisconsin was able to hold the opposition to just one goal, a span that helped earn sophomore goalie Adrian Remeniuk Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors. However in their past two contests against SIUE and Maryland, the Badgers have conceded six goals.
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. Wednesday night at the McClimon Soccer Complex.
