No. 7 Wisconsin suffers its first setback against No. 8 Maryland

Friday, September 18

College Park, MD

7 p.m.

Wisconsin Badgers

5-1-1, 0-1-1

Maryland

6-1-0, 1-1-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Wisconsin	0	0	0
Maryland	0	1	1

Matthew Zachemski plays the ball against Maryland

No. 7 Wisconsin suffers its first setback against No. 8 Maryland

September 18, 2026 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

The Badgers fall 1-0 on the road to the Terps

By: Ella Stufft

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The No. 7 Wisconsin men's soccer team (5-1-1, 0-1-1 B1G) suffered its first setback of the season against No. 8 Maryland (6-1, 1-1 B1G), 1-0, on Friday night. The Badgers totaled five shots on goal, but were unable to find the back of the net at Ludwig Field.

How it Happened:

Wisconsin keeper Judewellin Michel was tested early as Maryland earned a free kick in the second minute of the game from right outside the box. Michel punched the shot away to keep the Terps of the board.

MICHEL SAYS NO ❌🧤

Huge save from Jude to start the game!! pic.twitter.com/nyXWNLbCyX
— Wisconsin Men's Soccer (@BadgerMSoccer) September 19, 2026

The Badgers brought pressure throughout the first half, forcing Maryland's Laurin Mack to make three saves in the first 45 minutes. Michel made his second clutch save of the night in the 43rd minute to keep the score knotted at zero.

Maryland broke the tie early in the second half when Said El Eyssami sent a ball from Ljubomir Popovic into the back of the net in the 49th minute.

Wisconsin was unable to find its third buzzer-beater in a row, falling to Maryland 1-0.

Key Notes:

Tonight was the first time Wisconsin was shutout in 15 games, dating back to Sept. 26 of last season when the Badgers lost 2-0 to the eventual National Champion Washington Huskies.
Defender Joaquin Torres led the Badgers in shots (3) and shots on goal (2).

Up Next: Wisconsin has a quick turnaround with a match against No. 2 Indiana scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22, at McClimon Soccer Complex. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. CT in Madison. The match airs on Big Ten Network with live updates available @BadgerMSoccer on X and Instagram. Tuesday's match is also the Badgers' annual March to the Mac.