The seniors on the Wisconsin men’s soccer team went out on a high note Wednesday as they took down the Northwestern Wildcats 2-1. The comeback victory was the team’s first win at home since October of last season and came in its last regular season game before the Big Ten Tournament.

The Badgers (5-10-4, 2-3-4 Big Ten) spoiled the Wildcats’ (7-8-2, 4-4-0 Big Ten) close chance of winning one more game to secure a tie for the Big Ten title and a spot in the NCAA tournament.

“Being at home should be an advantage, but that Northwestern team had a lot to play for and I think we proved that we have a lot to play for with the win,” UW head coach John Trask said.

Trask said that this was the first time the team properly handled having the lead and is excited in his team’s performance going into the postseason.

Northwestern opened up with a quick goal off of a deflected cross by Mike Roberge in the 20th minute, and Wisconsin was able to answer 21 minutes later with a goal from Luc Kazmierczak off of a saved penalty kick. No side stood out going into halftime and it seemed to be another nail-biter that could end up in heartbreak typical for the Badgers.

But the determined Wisconsin squad was not ready to let another home game end without a win, and they came out firing.

From start to finish, the Badgers dominated the second half. A beautiful goal by Mark Segbers in the 69th minute seemed only fitting for a team struggling to find answers all year. Wisconsin dropped back and played a conservative front for the final minutes, keeping a relentless late attack from the Wildcats at bay.

A few late saves and clearances secured the win and with it, came relief for the Badgers after not winning at home all season.

“The seniors put in so much work every day and do such a good job to keep our spirits up,” forward Mark Segbers said. “This win was a nice ‘thank you’ to them.”

Segbers’ game-winning goal was his first since the game against Green Bay in September and came off an assist from midfielder and team leader, Drew Conner.

“This season has obviously been rough playing at home, but this game and playing here the last four years has been awesome,” Conner said. “I will never forget it.”

With the win, the Badgers escape the play-in game in the Big Ten tournament and travel to Bloomington, Indiana, to take on the Hoosiers in the quarterfinals Sunday.