Aug. 23, 2011

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MADISON, Wis. – A goal in the first half was followed up by two in the second as the University of Wisconsin men’s soccer team defeated Loyola University Chicago, 3-0, in exhibition action Tuesday night at the McClimon Complex. Wisconsin wrapped up exhibition play with a 1-0-1 record and will officially open the 2011 season in Madison at 7 p.m. Saturday against Western Illinois.

After 19 minutes of play, sophomore Ryan Buda (Stevens Point, Wis.) put the Badgers on the board. A pass from sophomore Derek Pitts (Middleton, Wis.) at the top of the box set up Buda for the goal, giving Wisconsin and early 1-0 lead. Sophomore Ciro Martinez (Weston, Fla.) recorded 45 minutes of scoreless action in net to end the first half in favor of the Badgers, 1-0.

The Badgers held on to their one-goal lead until the 79th minute when senior Colin Mani (Madison, Wis.) connected with sophomore Mike Roettgers (Wauwotosa, Wis.) for the second score of the game. Freshman Jacob Brindle (Naperville, Ill.) extended Wisconsin’s lead at the 82:35 mark when he converted a pass from Buda to score the third goal of the game.

“It was great to see,” remarked head coach John Trask. “All across the board we were really pleased with the performance today.”

Despite being outshot by Loyola, 9-8, the Badgers put three goals on the board. Martinez combined with senior Jamal Habibi (Oakland, Calif.) to record Wisconsin’s second shutout in exhibition action.

“I was really pleased with our defense,” Trask said. “We will bend a little bit, but we won’t break. To go both exhibition games without giving up a goal shows defense wins.

“We got some guys some time so we could look at them. The question becomes are they going to be a big part of the team or not? It shows the depth of the recruiting class.”

Wisconsin hosts Western Illinois at the McClimon Complex on Saturday its season opener.

“We expect a great soccer game,” said Trask. “Hopefully tonight will carry us through.”

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