After a tough start to their Big Ten schedule last weekend, the Badgers (0-1-1 Big Ten, 3-4-3 overall) will look to get their first conference win of the year. They will take on both Indiana (0-0-2, 3-3-4) and Purdue (1-1-0, 6-3-0) this week- end. In order for Wisconsin to get a win against one of its conference foes, it will need to start putting the ball into the back of the net and establish more offensive consistency.
The first game of the weekend is against Indiana Friday. The Hoosiers are similar to the Badgers in that they have struggled to score goals so far this year, having scored just seven times this season. The Badgers’ defense has been able to keep the team in games, allowing 13 goals and forcing two shutouts so far.
Similarly, while Indiana’s offense has struggled, its defense has held up well, allowing only 10 goals on the season.
The Badgers have only scored 10 goals despite hav- ing 59 shots on goal, but they will have their opportunities to score, as Indiana allows 14.6 shots per game.
Wisconsin will have another tough test against Purdue Sunday. The Boilermakers have scored 18 goals on the season and have averaged two goals per game.
This game should give the Badgers a good chance to get its offense rolling. Purdue’s defense has been the weaker side of the team, giving up twelve goals on the season and 1.33 goals per game. Sophomore goalkeeper Erika Yohn has won six games this season, but has allowed 10 goals in the process.
If Wisconsin wants to get its first Big Ten win this weekend they will need to get more offensive production, which places the onus on junior Rose Lavelle and senior McKenna Meuer, who have combined for seven of the team’s 10 goals.
The Badgers will face Indiana on Friday at 7 p.m. and Purdue Sunday at 3 p.m., both in the McClimon Soccer Complex.
