The Wisconsin Badgers (14-4-4) women’s soccer team defeated their in-state rival UW-Milwaukee Panthers (12-3-5) 2-0 Friday in the first round of the NCAA women’s soccer tournament.
The Badgers, who had a home-field advantage, powered through a well-fought game to come out on top.
The first half was filled with intensity from both teams, but Wisconsin dominated the possession. They were knocking at the door several times, specifically when Taylor Gordon hit the post off of a cross in from a corner kick. The Badgers out-shot the Panthers 7-1 in the first half, yet neither team found the back of the net.
Wisconsin came out strong in the second half, keeping the ball on the Milwaukee side. The home team finally got on the board in the 60th minute. On a corner, the ball was passed to Maddie Ishaug, who produced a strong kick from outside the box. Emma Jaskaneic got the ball and banged it into the back of the net. She now has 12 goals on the season and four assists.
The Badgers secured the win only a short seven minutes later with a little help from the Panthers. After a deflection from a Milwaukee defender, Ishaug hit the ball right back into goal, recording her first goal of the season.
The Badgers now advance to the tournament’s second, their 18th such appearance. They will travel to Tallahassee, Florida to face the No. 5 Texas Longhorns on Nov. 17 at 1 p.m.
