Late energy sparks Badgers’ comeback

Sunday, September 23

East Lansing, MI.

12:00 PM

Wisconsin Badgers

8-2-1,2-1-1

Michigan State

5-3-3,0-2-2

WISCONSIN

MSU

Late energy sparks Badgers’ comeback

September 23, 2018 | Women's Soccer

Box Score WIS_MSU

UW downs Spartans in closing minutes, 2-1

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Going down 1-0 in the 73rd minute to the Michigan State women's soccer team (5-3-3 overall, 0-2-2 Big Ten) the Badgers (8-2-1, 2-1-1) refused to hang their heads, moving on to defeat MSU 2-1 behind goals from senior Emily Borgmann and junior Payton Wesley.

Answering the Spartans' 73rd minute goal from Camryn Evans was Borgmann, striking a shot to the back of the net just one minute after Michigan State's goal. Borgmann's goal was the third of her season and was assisted by sophomore Maia Cella.

That's all she wrote 🙏 pic.twitter.com/zhv66mhCKx
— Wisconsin Soccer (@BadgerWSoccer) September 23, 2018

Tied 1-1, Wesley wasn't waiting to end it in overtime. The junior took Wisconsin's penalty kick in the 76th minute, blowing it by the Spartan keeper. It was Wesley's first goal of the season.

The Badgers outshot the Spartans 9-5 and held a 6-2 corner advantage. Junior keeper Jordyn Bloomer faced four shots on goal, allowing one and logging zero saves.

Straight from the pitch:
Head coach Paula Wilkins

On the team's late effort:
"I think the biggest thing is that when we went down a goal late in the second half that the team stayed pretty calm and had a great response. That shows something from our leadership that they were able to do that. Especially from Emily [Borgmann] as a senior, having that shot which changed the momentum in our favor I think was a big moment. We talked about being better in moments so I'm proud of Emily for doing that. She has a certain role on this team and she's embraced it."

On what she told the team at half:
"I thought we were a little tight. That we needed to play a little bit more and read the game a little bit faster and do some of the little details right. Michigan State had a great game plan and the way they played made it difficult for us to break them down so credit to them. I think this is another experience we've had that allows us to grow as a team and get better."

Up next: Wisconsin returns home to host Rutgers on Thursday, Sept. 27. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT and can be streamed at Big Ten Network.