Box Score MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Wisconsin women's soccer team (7-2-3) took down conference rivals Minnesota (4-4-3) on Thursday night. The final score was 3-1 in favor of the Badgers. Wisconsin now sits fourth in the Big Ten standings with a conference record of 2-1-1.
How it happened
It was an action-packed match in Minneapolis that saw the two long standing rivals face off. Not only was it a border battle between the two sides, it was one that had Big Ten implications.
Not even seven minutes into the match, the Badgers were awarded a penalty kick after a defensive handball in the box. In the eyes of the official, the handball prevented a goal scoring opportunity and reduced the Gophers to 10 players.
Emma Jaskaniec stepped up to the spot and buried the ball into the right side of the goal to put the Badgers up 1-0. She extends her points total to 12 with four goals and four assists. All it took was 6 minutes and 15 seconds.
It looked like a 1-0 score heading into the half, but some magic from Gabby Green led to a last second opportunity for the Badgers. Green nutmegged one of the Minnesota defenders and proceeded to play the ball into the box. Taylor Gordon put her body on the line and headed the ball into the net to put the Badgers up 2-0. It's the freshman's first career goal for Wisconsin.
At the half, the Badgers had eight shots to Minnesota's lone shot. Wisconsin controlled the pace and possession of the match for the majority of the first 45 minutes.
The Badger domination continued for much of the second half. Maia Richters scored her second goal of the season in the 61st minute after a blocked clearance came her way. The junior finessed the ball past the Minnesota keeper to get Wisconsin's third of the game.
The Gophers had a late surge and ended up scoring in the 70th minute, but it was too little too late; the Badgers were able to close out the game and keep the win. In the process, the Badgers extend their undefeated record to 12 games against the Gophers.
Next up
The Badgers host Purdue at the McClimon Soccer Complex on Sunday, Oct. 1. Join the team and celebrate the seniors and everything they have given to this program. The seniors will be recognized prior to kick off at 1 p.m. (CT).
