Hot offense catapults Badgers to 2-0 shutout

Monday, September 12

Chicago, IL

7 PM

Wisconsin Badgers

3-2-3

Loyola-Chicago

0-5-2

Wisconsin

Loyola Chicago

Photo by: Jack McLaughlin

Hot offense catapults Badgers to 2-0 shutout

September 12, 2016 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Bahr and McGinnis score to lead UW over Loyola-Chicago

CHICAGO -- Nothing was going to stand in the way of the Wisconsin women's soccer offense, and nothing did as the Badgers shut out Loyola-Chicago, 2-0, on the road on Monday night. Behind two early goals from freshman Grace Bahr and junior Sydney McGinnis, UW's offense exploded as Wisconsin outshot Loyola, 29-9.

In addition to setting a new season high, the Badger offense capitalized on more opportunities by the net and struck a season-high 15 shots on goal. Senior Rose Lavelle led the way for the Wisconsin effort firing off four shots on goal in the contest, the most by any Badger this season. In addition, her seven shots are the second-highest behind her own eight shots against Drake.

"I think we were really able to capitalize tonight," UW head coach Paula Wilkins said. "We have been creating chances all along but I think we did a better job of making the most of them tonight. We have been trying to do it all season, we have been creating a ton of opportunities but tonight we were able to capitalize on them and be a little bit better around the goal getting more people shots on goal."

It was a staple night all around as both Bahr and McGinnis tallied their first career goals.
"I think getting goals from different people will give us a lot of confidence headed into the Big Ten," Wilkins said.

Bahr put the Badgers on the board first off of an assist from senior Micaela Powers. Powers threw it in and Bahr headed the original toss but it bounced off the post. Bahr pounced on her rebound, heading the ball into the net for the first score of the game.

"We talked about more movement in the blocks and to be more dynamic, I think those things were really important to put them under pressure much higher up on the field," Wilkins added. "So we were a little higher up and I think that allowed us to get more numbers in the box and be a little more dangerous."

The game plan worked as McGinnis took advantage of Lavelle's free kick that was saved from 20 yards at the near post and then fired it past Loyola's goalkeeper.
Wisconsin held the advantage on shots (29-9), shots on goal (15-4) and corner kicks (9-6), while Loyola had the upperhand on saves (13-4).

Junior goalkeeper Caitlyn Clem sealed her fourth shutout of the season.

The Badgers are back in action for one of their biggest home slates of the year this weekend. UW hosts Ohio State at 7 p.m. on Friday night at the McClimon Complex before challenging No. 16 Penn State on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.