In their final tune-up before Big Ten conference play begins, the Wisconsin women's soccer team (2-1-2) faces two of its most difficult non-conference competitors this year, playing the No. 18 Missouri Tigers (6-0) Friday night and the Kentucky Wildcats (4-2) on Sunday.
So far this season, the Tigers have pounced on their opponents on the heels of a strong defensive attack. This season, the Tigers have allowed only two goals through six games, both coming in a 3-2 win against Loyola-Chicago. Additionally, Missouri has had an easy time playing the Big Ten, shutting out four conference members including Iowa (2-0), Illinois (5-0), Northwestern (4-0) and Minnesota (1-0).
On the other hand, Kentucky is just the opposite and is one of the most balanced teams in the SEC offensively. The Wildcats are led on offense by freshman Giuleana Lopez and juniors Sarah Gaunt and Megan Jones. Lopez and Gaunt lead the Wildcat scoring attack with three goals apiece and Jones, named last week to the Soccerbuzz National Elite Team of the Week, scored four points over the weekend as the Wildcats beat two more Big Ten schools, Ohio State and Michigan.
With both schools going a combined 6-0 against Big Ten opponents, the Badgers are hoping that the streak ends in Madison.
"Missouri is having a great year," UW assistant captain Natalie Horner said. "We're going to try and take what we've learned [from film] and use it to our advantage. Obviously, we don't want our conference losing, so we're going to have to step up, do the same things we have been trying to do all year and just focus in on the details."
In order for Wisconsin to win this weekend, the Badgers are going to have to figure out what jinxes them at home. In the last two seasons, Wisconsin has played below .500 at the McClimon Soccer Complex (5-6-1) while the Badgers have been on fire on the road, going 11-3-3 the last two seasons.
It's something that has stumped the Wisconsin players — they haven't been able to win in front of their home fans. Regardless, the Badgers don't worry about their home record because when they focus on the things they need to during the game, they usually get the results they need.
"You really can't put your finger on [losing at home]," Horner said. "Obviously, you don't want to be losing any games, especially games at home. For us, it was a big challenge winning here."
Horner added that most people believe playing on the road eliminates some of the distractions of staying at home for games.
"You're in a hotel, secluded and with the team all the time on the road, while there are other things going on at home," she said. "You just have to go out and play, and no matter who we're playing where, we have the same goals in mind, and that's to win."
To make matters tougher on the Badgers to beat one of the hottest teams in the country and improve their home field record, senior ball-striker and team captain Kara Kabellis will miss Friday night's game due to the red card she received in the team's last match at Pepperdine.
Despite not scoring a goal yet this season, Kabellis has made her presence felt on the field, using her height to gain ball possession while dishing out two assists in five games. Even though Kabellis will be back for Sunday's game, the Badgers have to figure out a way to replace one of their biggest offensive weapons on Friday.
"Kara is a great player, but without her we're going to have to be doing the same things as before," Horner said. "Offensively, we need people to be scoring goals and that's whether Kara is on the field or not. We're going to need players to step up and win balls in the air where we usually have [Kara's] height.
"She's hard to replace and we're going to have to do our best to adjust," he said.
One of the keys this weekend for Wisconsin will be the play of senior goalie and co-team captain Stefani Szczechowski. Since starter Lynn Murray was injured in the team's opening game, Szczechowski has stepped in and filled the void.
In over 466 minutes on the field, Szczechowski has allowed only five goals and sports a .96 goals-allowed average. Despite being only 5 feet 5 inches tall, Stefani has played twice her size in front of the net and will have to continue to do so in order for Wisconsin to sweep the weekend series.
"Whatever team we play, I strive to do my best and to just prove the nation wrong," Szczechowski said. "Lynn [Murray] and I have battled for the starting job for three years and that has prepared me to play. I always try to improve my game and try to get the job done. We did lose some key defensive players from last year's team, but we've got some players improving. I might be facing more shots, but we're [adapting], and I am seeing the ball well."
