The University of Wisconsin men’s soccer team looks to rebound from a tough loss on Wednesday night for two games on the road this weekend. They play UW-Milwaukee at 3:00 p.m. Friday and then open their Big Ten season Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at No. 19 Penn State.

The Badgers (6-2-1) are hoping the positive start to their season doesn’t wither away. Since starting the season 5-0, UW has gone 1-2-1 in its last four games.

This weekend will prove to be a challenge for Wisconsin. Friday the Badgers face a UW-Milwaukee team coming off an emotional 2-1 victory on Wednesday night against

Marquette, the same Golden Eagle team that UW tied a week earlier. The Panthers (8-2-0 overall, 5-0-0 at home) have a very powerful offense, led by senior Ryan Seymour (seven goals, six assists for 20 points) and freshman Antou Jallow (eight goals for 16 points). But the UW-Milwaukee defense is also very tough, allowing less than one goal a game.

Then the Badgers travel Sunday to No. 19 Penn State, who are coming off a 4-1 loss to No. 6 Indiana. The Nittany Lions (5-2-1, 1-1 in the Big Ten), who have been ranked as high as No. 8 this season, are very similar to the Panthers. They have not lost at home and possess some very impressive wins.

The Badgers realize this is a very tough stretch in their schedule, especially with Indiana coming to town next week. How the Badgers play in the next few games will define their season.