No. 4 Wisconsin sparks a second-half surge to claim 3–2 win in NCAA First Round

Friday, November 14

Madison, WI

7 PM

Wisconsin Badgers

14-5-2, 6-3-2

Western Michigan

16-4-1, 10-1-1

Western Mich.

Wisconsin

No. 4 Wisconsin sparks a second-half surge to claim 3–2 win in NCAA First Round

November 14, 2025 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Connolly leads the way with two goals

By: Abby Madonia

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin women's soccer team battled back to defeat the Western Michigan Broncos 3-2 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night at McClimon.

How it Happened

First Half
Western Michigan struck first in the 24th minute when Abby Smothers capitalized, putting the Broncos up 1-0 despite Wisconsin controlling most of the possession.

The Badgers entered the break down a goal but far from out of the match.

Wisconsin was out-shooting Western Michigan in shots (6-2) and corners (4-2).

Second Half
The Badgers came out of the break with urgency earning early corners and testing the WMU goalkeeper repeatedly before finally breaking through in the 58th minute. Erin Connolly buried a penalty kick to tie the match and swinging momentum in Wisconsin's favor.

Then, 14 minutes later, Connolly delivered again slotting home her second of the night off a assist from Hailey Baumann to give Wisconsin its first lead, 2–1.

Sensational🤩

Catch all the action on ESPN+ #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/JqmgVpZhfe
— Wisconsin Women's Soccer (@BadgerWSoccer) November 15, 2025

Adee Boer capped the scoring frenzy in the 80th minute, showing off her fancy footwork to fire home an unassisted goal and push the Badgers ahead 3–1.

Take a look at that footwork😮

Catch all the action on ESPN+#OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/FrGbIhQeZA
— Wisconsin Women's Soccer (@BadgerWSoccer) November 15, 2025

Western Michigan added a late goal in the 81st, but Wisconsin's back line held firm the rest of the way.

The Badgers finished the match leading in shots (14-4) and corners (9-3) in corners.

Up Next
Wisconsin will face Baylor on Thursday, Nov. 20. Time and location will be determined at a later date.