The Wisconsin Badgers’ women’s soccer team (14-4-1, 5-4-1) attempts to extend their current six-contest winning streak this weekend when they finish off their season against the Huskies of Northern Illinois Saturday at the McClimon Sports Complex.
The Badgers are coming off a close win at the Valley Fields complex in Milwaukee, where they defeated the Marquette Golden Eagles (10-7-1, 6-2-1) 1-0 Wednesday night. The win finalized the sweep of in-state rivals by the Lady Badgers.
“One of our goals heading into this season was to win the state,” head coach Dean Duerst said. “Now we’re one step away from another goal — winning all our non-conference games.”
The Huskies (6-6-5, 3-4-5) enter the contest on a three-game skid, and are in search of a win in their last match of the year. The Huskies will come out hungry on Saturday, as a win or tie will mark the first winning season in DeKalb since 1998. For the Badgers, a win would allow the team to cross another goal off their long list from the beginning of the season.
“They chose that goal, to win all their non-conference games,” Duerst said. “We’ve got to score goals, and our team is capable of that.”
Junior Amy Vermeulen will lead the Badger offense. The junior has had an impressive comeback year after missing last season with an injury. Vermeulen enters the match leading the Badgers with 33 points on 11 goals and 11 assists.
“I think it’s clear we run our offense through Amy,” Duerst said. “But I think we are lucky enough that we aren’t forced to run it through her, either.”
Vermeulen will see plenty of help from junior Katy Lindenmuth, current Offensive Player of the Week; sophomore Allison Preiss, who has four game-winning goals this season; and sophomore Kara Kabellis, who’s fourth on the team in points.
On the defensive side, goalie Lynn Murray is coming off the fifth shutout of her young career. The Badgers will look to close out the season at home with another shutout, a feat that is very attainable, according to Duerst.
“They’ve had some trouble scoring this year,” Duerst said. “And they’ve given up a lot of corner kicks, which is something you don’t want to do against Wisconsin.”
The ladies also look to celebrate the end of an era for four current Badgers. This Saturday’s match-up is also senior day for the team. Seniors will celebrate in a small ceremony prior to the game with family and teammates. Seniors Marla Froelich, Sarah Capel, Molly Meuer and Katrina Ziaja will all take part in the ceremony.
“I think it’s something special for them,” Duerst said. “We actually sat down on the bus ride home from Marquette and talked about the memories they’ve had. I think it’ll mean a lot to them.”
The Badgers will also have to compete with this weekend’s Halloween festivities. Despite some programs, most notably football, encouraging players to leave for the weekend, Duerst holds immense confidence in his team to control their behavior.
“I know they are looking forward to it. They’ve been talking about costumes and everything and that’s what it’s all about,” Duerst said. “They know how to have fun, and they are responsible with it. I think that says a lot about the senior leadership on this team. They just can’t stay out too late on Friday, and they know that. But I know they’re looking forward to Saturday night.”
The match-up will serve as the final tune-up prior to the Big Ten tournament in Columbus, Ohio. The Badgers are set to face the Michigan Wolverines Nov. 4 at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in the initial round.
