The Wisconsin Badgers women’s soccer team will compete against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten women’s soccer tournament on Thursday, October 31, at 3:30 p.m. Wisconsin earned the No. 9 seed with a regular season record of 9-4-4.
This marks the Badgers’ second consecutive appearance in the Big Ten Championship. Last year, they entered as the No. 3 seed and reached the championship game, ultimately losing to Iowa 0-1.
The winner of Thursday’s match will advance to face the University of Southern California in the semifinals. Both teams faced USC during the regular season, with the Badgers and Buckeyes each suffering defeats.
In their history, Wisconsin and Ohio State have met 31 times. The Badgers currently hold a record of 11 wins, 12 losses, and 8 draws against the Buckeyes.
Their most recent matchup occurred on October 15, 2023, during Wisconsin’s final home game of the regular season. The Badgers lost 0-1, with the only goal scored by Kailyn Dudukovich, assisted by Amanda Schlueter.
Dudukovich, now a senior at Ohio State, ranks second in the Big Ten with 16 goals this season. Schlueter, a sophomore, is fourth in the conference with 8 goals.
For Wisconsin, midfielder Maddie Ishaug made two shots, including one on goal, in the last game against Ohio State. Other returning players include Aryssa Mahrt, Hailey Baumann, Riley Philbin, Ashley Martinez, Maddie Poor, Ella Ottey, and Adee Boer.
A key change for the Badgers is goalkeeper Drew Stover. Last year’s starter, Erin McKinney, allowed one goal and made three saves against Ohio State. Stover has started every game this season, recording 50 saves while allowing only 15 goals.
Ohio State’s junior goalkeeper, Molly Pritchard, has also made 74 saves this season and has allowed 15 goals. In the previous encounter with the Badgers, she made three saves.
In reviewing the 2024 regular season performances, two highlights emerge. Ohio State’s notable win came against Duke on August 15, where they secured a 1-0 victory. Duke is currently ranked No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll. Ohio State is now ranked No. 21, showcasing their early season strength with Pritchard making a season-high 11 saves in that game.
Both teams played against Iowa this season, but only the Badgers emerged victorious, winning 2-1 on October 10. Ohio State had a draw against Iowa on September 19.
The Badgers and Buckeyes will meet at the Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus, the host for the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals and semifinals.
Related Topics
- Is Women’s Soccer More Popular Than Men’s
- What Is Goal Kick in Football
- Northwestern Eliminated from Big Ten Tournament by No. 16 Indiana
