[media-credit name=’GREG DIXON/Herald Photo’ align=’alignright’ width=’336′][/media-credit]They say speed cannot be taught, but the Wisconsin women’s soccer team has been getting faster this week. The Badgers have been practicing on the indoor surface of the McClain Athletic Facility to prepare for the similar turf of Northwestern’s Thomas Sports Complex.
“I feel faster on a field like this,” senior Shannon Terry said of the turf. “I think it could be really good for us as long as we pay attention to not over-hitting our balls too much.”
For junior goalkeeper Jamie Klages, the artificial surface is a welcome change.
“It is much easier for goalies,” Klages said. “You can get better, longer goal kicks off it, and the ball always bounces the same — you don’t have to worry about it hitting anything funny.”
Friday night, the Badgers (6-10-1, 2-7 Big Ten) will take on the Wildcats (8-6-4, 3-4-2 Big Ten) in Evanston, Ill., in yet another must-win situation. In addition to a win, a Minnesota victory over Iowa is needed to keep Wisconsin’s Big Ten tournament hopes alive.
“We have to control what we can control,” head coach Paula Wilkins said. “We have to make sure we take care of our match against Northwestern before we worry about the other game.”
Despite the added importance of Friday’s matchup, the Badgers still are focusing on the details as they would for any other game. Rather than feeling the pressure of the must-win situation, the team is ready to play again as they try to extend their season.
“I am really excited for the game,” Terry said. “I love playing at Northwestern. They have an awesome field right on Lake Michigan. It is going to be a Friday night, under the lights and my last regular season game ever — I cannot wait to get out there and show them what we can do.”
In addition to the excitement generated by such a game, Wilkins is hoping the added pressure will spark her team’s play and lead them to victory.
“I think the way that the players respond is going to be important for the program,” Wilkins said. “I think it is a good pressure; it is very exciting. I am hoping that they will rise to the challenge.”
One of the team’s biggest focuses recently has been its offensive play and, more importantly, its ability to set the tempo early on and dictate the style of play.
“In a lot of games we have been waiting until the other team scores first, and then we start playing our way,” Terry said. “We cannot do that against Northwestern. We cannot afford to allow them to score first and be forced to play from behind.”
As the Badgers look to score early in Friday’s game, they will have to contend with a Wildcat defense that has allowed only nine first-half goals through 18 games this season.
Offensively for Northwestern, the team is led by forward Kelsey Hans and midfielder Shannon Schneeman. The seniors lead the team in goals with eight apiece and points with 20 and 17, respectively.
“Northwestern is a very good team; they are well-coached,” Wilkins said. “They have some dynamic forwards and an excellent midfield. I think it will be a close game, and I am excited about our mentality and our attitude right now. I am looking forward to a good game.”
Many times this season, the Badgers have played well but were unable to come away with a victory in the Big Ten. Other times, they have squandered opportunities against teams that they felt they should have beaten.
When they take the field Friday, they know they cannot afford to come away with either outcome. It is win or go home, and the Badgers are not ready to pack it up just yet.
“Just the fact that we even have a chance at the tournament at this point is exciting,” Klages said. “We have been given so many chances, but this is our last one. We need to win, and we all are ready to take care of it.”