[media-credit name=’GREGORY DIXON/Herald photo’ align=’alignright’ width=’336′][/media-credit]Even though it's just the spring season — and indoor — the University of Wisconsin men's soccer team will look to settle the score with one of its biggest rivals, UW-Milwaukee.

While it has been six months since the last matchup — a double-overtime thriller that ended in a tie — the Badgers will be hoping to come out on top as they host their annual indoor tournament Saturday at the McClain Athletic Facility. In addition to UW-Milwaukee, the Minnesota Thunder from the United Soccer Leagues' First Division will send two separate teams to the tournament.

This year's tournament should give UW's younger players a great opportunity to showcase their skills in a very competitive environment.

"Freshmen who redshirted this year will finally be able to put on that uniform for the first time," head coach Jeff Rohrman said. "These players can use the games as a measure to see where they are and how they can improve."

For some players, like freshman midfielder Taylor Waspi, Saturday will be an opportunity to return to the game after suffering injuries last fall. Waspi, who began his career as a Badger on a high note by getting early playing time, was forced to watch a majority of the season from the bench after he was sidelined by injuries.

"It will be very important for Taylor to get a jump start on his recovery this weekend," Rohrman said. "It will be a great way for players who didn't get in during the fall to get an opportunity to play the game."

With the Badgers scheduled for three games throughout the day, players shouldn't have trouble getting playing time. They should, however, look to conserve plenty of energy for the tournament's finale with UWM, which should be an excellent barometer for where the two respective teams stand heading into next season.

"Even though both teams will be tired after playing a couple games already, there is always a little extra effort put in when you're playing UW-Milwaukee," Rohrman said.

And Rohrman should know.

After beginning his collegiate career as a two-time All American at Bethany Lutheran, the Badgers head coach played for the Panthers during his junior and senior years.

As a Panther, Rohrman made quite an impact. In addition to becoming one of the school's all-time assist leaders, he also served as team captain and was awarded Most Valuable Player.

Given the coach's obviously deep background in the rivalry, fans can certainly expect that the intensity during this game will be just as intense on the field as on the sideline.

"People who come out to watch the games will get the opportunity to see soccer played at the highest level."