The Wisconsin Badgers women’s soccer team (6-1-3 Big Ten, 12-2-3 overall) continued their good run of form with a 1-0 win over Nebraska (4-2-3 Big Ten, 8-5-4 overall) in their final home game of the season, extending their unbeaten streak to seven games.
Senior midfielder Victoria Pickett looked effective as ever, slicing through the Nebraska midfield whenever the ball found her in space. Pickett found space in the 25th minute, slipping the ball into sophomore forward Lauren Rice in the box. Rice then beat the keeper low to the near post, scoring her seventh goal of the season and her third game-winner in the past four games.
Pickett demonstrated her class as she tallied her second assist of the season as Rice finished off the move with the sophomore praising the dynamic midfielder.
“She can pretty much beat the entire other team off the dribble. As soon as she breaks free it’s easy for me and the other forwards to just get up against the line and have her slip balls to us,” Rice said. “When Vick’s playing well our team is doing well.”
Junior goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer put in yet another impressive performance, recording five saves in the Badgers seventh shutout of the season.
The Badgers now enter their final game of the regular season on the road against Ohio State looking to give themselves the best possible seeding for the Big Ten tournament. The Badgers are on fire lately and are looking to carry this momentum into postseason play.
Wisconsin has come alive after two close 0-0 draws in a row against Rutgers and Maryland, but Rice said the team came together and is clicking.
“We were kind of in a lull for a little bit. We felt a bit stagnant for a few games.” Rice said. “Then we started to gain momentum and feel like a team once again.”
Wisconsin’s form has come at a great time right before the Big Ten Tournament and possibly the NCAA Tournament.
The Badgers must be prepared to face the top class of the Big Ten once again, but with a lengthy unbeaten streak, UW might have a good shot at the title.
