MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Badgers hosted Penn State for the first game of the postseason Sunday afternoon at McClimon Field, where the team posted a 1-0 loss in the Big Ten quarterfinals.
The Badgers came out aggressive and playing with something to prove. Wisconsin searched for its first goal throughout the first 45, however, was not able to find the back of the net after being granted three corners and a free kick just outside the box. That free kick proved to be the best chance of the half for the Badgers as Natalie Viggiano’s shot missed just right of the upper 90.
Erin McKinney was also responsible for keeping the first half scoreless as she put up five saves as Penn State continued to test the Badger defense with shots.
The second half of the match continued to be just as intense as the first. Wisconsin was battling for the go-ahead goal as Izzy Verdugo slotted a pass up to Maia Richters, who found her way around the goalie. However, as Richter’s shot was going into goal, Penn State’s Maddie Myers kicked the ball off the line at the last second, running into the post and denying the Badgers.
Shortly after that, in the 75th minute of the game Penn State was awarded a corner kick. Although the initial shot was cleared, the Nittany Lions were able to find Ally Schlegel in front of goal, where she settled the ball and put it into the back of the net.
In heartbreaking fashion, a goal that looked to be clearly offsides ended up being the game-winner for the Nittany Lions. Penn State outshot the Badgers 7-6 in the second half and 16-10, overall.
With an early exit in the tournament, Wisconsin will await to see its NCAA tournament chances in its hope to prolong the 2022 season.
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