Fast Kicks: Wisconsin begins its highway to the Faculty Cup

Madison, Wis.- The Wisconsin girls’s soccer workforce is ready to host Western Michigan within the first spherical of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. (CT) on the McClimon Soccer Complex. The match will probably be streamed on ESPN+.

Here are 5 issues to know earlier than the Badgers face the Broncos.

 

1. SEASON RECAP

Wisconsin enters the NCAA Tournament with a 13-5-2 general report (7-4-2 B1G). The Badgers are averaging 1.50 objectives per sport on 12.7 pictures per match, led by midfielder Erin Connolly, who has netted seven objectives this season- tied for fourth-most within the Big Ten.

Supporting the assault are forwards Brooke Allen and Adee Boer, every contributing six objectives and discovering the again of the web in the course of the Big Ten Tournament.

On the defensive finish goalkeeper Drew Stover has collected 61 saves and 10 shutouts. Stover has performed 1800 minutes which is sweet for second in convention and is posting a 78.2 save share. She tied her profession excessive in saves towards No. 9 UCLA (Oct. 9) and matched a program report with 4 consecutive clear sheets from Oct. 4–16.

2. SCOUTING THE BRONCOS:

The Badgers and Broncos have met 4 occasions in program historical past, with Wisconsin holding a 3-0-1 benefit. The most up-to-date matchup got here within the 2024 season, ending in a 1-1 draw.

Western Michigan is led by head coach Lewis Robinson, who’s in his fourth season. The Broncos earned an automated bid to the match after successful their second straight MAC Championship. WMU posts a 16-3-1 report on the season, essentially the most victories in program historical past.

Abby Smothers leads the Broncos in objectives with 10. Smothers has taken 44 pictures with 24 on track incomes a .545 shot on objective share. Goalie Reagan Sulaver has allowed 11 objectives with 52 saves to earn a save share of .828.  

3. TOURNAMENT HISTORY:

This marks Wisconsin’s third consecutive NCAA Tournament look and twenty sixth general. Last season, the Badgers reached the Sweet 16, defeating Maine and Virginia earlier than falling to top-seeded USC.

 

4. HOW TO FOLLOW:

Friday’s match will probably be out there on ESPN+. Fans can even monitor dwell stats at UWBadgers.com and observe in-game updates on social media (@BadgerWSOC on Instagram, X, and Facebook).

5. UP NEXT:

If Wisconsin secures the win, they’ll face both fifth-seeded Baylor or Texas State. Game time and placement will probably be decided at a later date.