The University of Wisconsin women’s soccer team collected their seventh tie of the season on Saturday in their double overtime draw against the University of Illinois on the road. The draw was the Badger’s (6-10-2, 3-5-2 Big Ten) ninth shutout of the year and just the fourth time they have been shutout.
The game concluded 0-0 after Wisconsin forwards Sydney McGinnis and Emily Borgmann were unable to convert on their shots in the 91st and 108th minutes of play, respectively.
Wisconsin heads into their final matchup of the season against Rutgers University on Wednesday, having gone six games without a loss. This is due in large part to the season-long success of senior midfielder Micaela Powers, who attempted three shots on goal in Saturday’s stalemate.
Women’s Soccer: Badgers hope to continue momentum at Illinois Saturday
Juniors Sydney McGinnis and Alexis Tye trailed Powers with two shots each. Sophomore Emily Borgmann followed suit with two of her own. Despite their inability to edge the Fighting Illini (7-4-7, 4-2-4 Big Ten), the Badgers still eclipsed their opponent 12-7 in shots and 4-2 in shots on goal.
Illinois’ senior goalie Claire Wheatley had her work cut out for her throughout the match, in which she recorded four saves. The Fighting Illini defense saw six shots come their way in the first half alone and had a tough time defending an aggressive Badger front that has come alive in recent weeks.
Wisconsin goalkeeper Caitlyn Clem recorded two saves, none of which came in overtime and was a big part in the Badgers making it to extra time. The game marked her eighth shutout on the season and is another example of her leadership on a young squad.
The match with Illinois marked the final road game of the year for Wisconsin and will give them more confidence going into the Big Ten tournament next week. With the tie, Wisconsin moves to sixth in the Big Ten and only a point behind Rutgers and the University of Michigan for fourth.
Wednesday’s season finale against the Scarlet Knights at home is slated for 7 p.m. CT.
