Wisconsin women's soccer (7-2-3) defeated conference rival Minnesota (4-4-3) in a 3-1 victory Thursday night in Minneapolis. The Badgers now sit fourth in the Big Ten Standings with a conference record of 2-1-1.
The two teams squared off at 7 p.m. Thursday with intensity filling the air. The game held significance for two reasons: whoever won would increase their position in the Big Ten standings and claim victory over their rival team. . Success for either team would be granted to whoever came out strong and dominated the field.
Wisconsin created a powerful presence early in the game, with a penalty kick given to the Badgers only seven minutes into the game. There was a handball in the box, leading the Gophers to go down a player and setting up the Badgers for a shot on goal. Emma Jaskaniec fired the ball into the right side of the goal, putting Wisconsin up and increasing her goal count this season to four.
Wisconsin dominated possession throughout the first half with eight shots on goal to Minnesota’s one, and it looked like the Badgers would be up 1-0 heading into half. But with under 20 seconds left, a strong push from Gabby Green nutmegging the Minnesota defense put the ball into the box. Freshman Taylor Gordon had the perfect opportunity to head the ball right into the goal, putting the Badgers up 2-0.
The Badgers also dominated the beginning of the second half, and success returned in the sixty-first minute. Maia Richters scored the second goal of her junior season after dodging the Minnesota keeper, putting the Badgers up 3-0.
Even though Minnesota scored in the seventh minute, Wisconsin’s domination was too much for the Gophers.
The Badgers kept their undefeated status against the Gophers. The Badgers host Purdue on Sunday at the McClimon Soccer Complex.
The match begins at 1 p.m., but the team is celebrating seniors prior to the game. Fans are encouraged to join the Badger community on Sunday for the recognition.
