The University of Wisconsin-Madison men’s soccer team drew to Michigan at home on Sunday afternoon, closing out regular season play. The Badgers needed a win to make the last seed of the Big Ten Tournament. But with a tie, the Wolverines clinched the last spot.
Wisconsin dominated against Michigan in the shot category in the first half, giving the Badgers the advantage that striker Dean Boltz capitalized on. It was in minute 33 that the freshman star pounced on a loose ball in the box, burying it into the inside of the left post.
Boltz is now the first Badger to score 10 goals in a season since Tom Barlow and Mike Catalano in 2017.
The score remained 1-0 at halftime. In the second half, Michigan was dominant, outshooting Wisconsin 11-2.
The Badgers held on until the very last minute. Michigan defender Nolan Miller’s tying goal came with just 42 seconds left, putting a damper on Wisconsin’s hopes of making the Big Ten Tournament.
Despite falling short of the tournament, the team’s .567 winning percentage is the highest that Wisconsin’s men’s soccer program has had since 2018.
Unless the Badgers make the NCAA tournament, their season is over. Selections for the 48-team tournament will be announced on Nov. 18.
