(UW ATHLETICS) CHAMPAIGN, ILL – No. 14 Wisconsin women’s soccer battled Illinois to a 0-0 draw Thursday night at Demirjian Park in the Big Ten opener. The result moved the Badgers to 4-1-2 overall and 0-0-1 in conference play, while Illinois moved to 3-0-4 and 0-0-1.
How It Happened
The opening half was a defensive battle, with scoring opportunities limited on both ends. Illinois generated the first shot of the match in the 16th minute before Drew Stover made her first save of the night in the 29th, denying Ashlyn Adams’ attempt toward the bottom-left corner.
Wisconsin recorded its first shot in the 42nd minute when Izy Traub fired an attempt before the teams entered halftime scoreless.
Second Half:
The Badgers came out more aggressive offensively after the break. Traub put Wisconsin’s first shot on goal toward the top-right corner in the 48th minute, but Illinois goalkeeper Izzy Lee made the save. Wisconsin continued to apply pressure, with Anya Gulbrandsen and Erin Connolly forcing back-to-back saves from Lee in the 60th and 61st minutes.
Abby Ballek created Wisconsin’s final shot on goal in the 83rd minute, but Lee made her fourth save of the night. Neither side was able to break through over the final minutes as the Badgers secured a point on the road.
Wisconsin and Illinois finished even with five shots apiece and six corner kicks each. The Badgers held a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal, with all four of Wisconsin’s attempts coming in the second half. Stover made two saves across 90 minutes to record the clean sheet.
Up Next: Wisconsin returns home to host Northwestern on Sunday, Sept. 13. Kick off is scheduled for 1 p.m. The match will welcome back former Badgers as they celebrate alumni day.
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