Sports: Women's Soccer

Women’s soccer faces familiar test

The University of Wisconsin women’s soccer team has to win Friday against Northwestern to earn a Big Ten Tournament berth. If this situation sounds familiar, that’s because it is.

Last season, the Badgers traveled to Evanston, Ill., to take on the Wildcats in their last game of the season, needing a win to keep their tournament hopes alive. Head coach Paula Wilkins, however, is quick to point out one major difference.

“Last year, we had to hope that somebody got a different result,” Wilkins said. “This year it’s completely in our control: [If] we win the game, we go on; if we tie or lose, we stay home.”

Senior forward Taylor Walsh, who tied for the team lead with two shots and one shot-on-goal last year at Northwestern, also noted the similar, yet different feel to this week.

“It feels a little bit like the same thing,” Walsh said. “This year, however, we know we’re in for sure if we win; so, it feels a little like last year, but a little better.”

Since the Badgers control their own destiny this weekend, they feel a lot more confident this week than they did at this time last year. The team is maintaining a positive attitude despite the losses last weekend, since they know they can extend their season with a win.

“I feel good about it; I think the team feels pretty confident too,” senior Taylor Walsh said. “We know we just have to go out there and give everything that we have and that’s it.”

Wisconsin squandered an opportunity last weekend to improve its tournament hopes, losing a pair of games on the road at Minnesota and Iowa. Rather than get down following the losses, the Badgers are ready to take advantage of another opportunity to earn a spot in the tournament.

“There’s not many times when you get a second chance at anything,” senior Jamie Klages said. “We have a second chance to get into the tournament, so we’re really focusing on taking advantage of a ‘gift from the Big Ten gods.’”

In addition to earning a spot in the tournament, the players who played in last year’s game against Northwestern have another thing on their minds: revenge. Last year, Wisconsin played hard throughout but failed to find the back of the net, losing 3-0.

“We definitely want to pay them back for keeping us out of the tournament last year,” Walsh said. “Revenge is definitely a factor.”

After missing the tournament last season, Walsh and Klages hope to avoid going home early a second year in a row. As seniors they also hope to have another chance to play together at Iowa next weekend in the Big Ten Tournament.

“We all want one more road trip together,” Walsh said. “We’re looking forward to a chance to go to the tournament. It’s a lot of fun because you get to spend another week together.”

One thing that should work in the Badgers’ favor this year is home field advantage. The confines of the McClimon Soccer Complex should be a lot friendlier than Lakeside Field was last November with temperatures dipping into the low 40s and cold winds blowing in off Lake Michigan.

“I think everyone is really excited for one more game under the lights at McClimon,” Walsh said. “It’s our senior night; last year we were at their place for their senior night, and this time it’s ours so it should be fun.”

After playing Northwestern in a similar situation last season, the Badgers feel like they know what to expect going in to Friday’s game. Additionally, Wilkins agreed that home field would make a difference.

“I think we have to understand the energy that Northwestern is going to have because they’re sort of in the same situation we are,” Wilkins said. “I think one advantage is that we are at home. We’ve got to make sure that we use this advantage as best we possibly can.”

Beyond the logistical aspect of having a better chance to get into the tournament, Wilkins also believes her team this year is better prepared for a game with Big Ten Tournament implications.

“I think this year’s group is a little more solidified and unified in their abilities,” Wilkins said. “I truly believe in these players. They’ve done some spectacular things and risen to some great challenges.”