Backyard Battle at McClimon | Wisconsin Badgers

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin women’s soccer team (13-4-4) begins its NCAA Tournament campaign against Milwaukee on Friday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. (CT). The Badgers will look to use home field advantage at the McClimon Soccer Complex in the first round of the tournament.

Here are five things to know:

1. KNOW THE OPPONENT: Milwaukee currently has a 12-2-5 record and is coming off a 1-0 win against Northern Kentucky to win the Horizon League Tournament. Junior forward Kayla Rollins has been the best player for the Panthers this season and was named 2023 Horizon League Offensive Player of the Year.

The Badgers are 24-5-7 all-time against Milwaukee, which includes a 14-2-4 record at home. The two sides last faced each other on Sept. 9, 2022, with that match resulting in a 3-2 win for the Badgers. Wisconsin is on a six-game undefeated steak against the Panthers, with the team’s last loss coming on Sept. 11, 2011.

2. NCAA TOURNAMENT: This is the ninth season under head coach Paula Wilkins (16 seasons at Wisconsin) that the Badgers have clinched a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The Badgers have advanced to the Sweet 16 in all of the the last three trips to the NCAA Tournament (2021, 2019, and 2018).

The Badgers’ all-time NCAA record is 22-22-2. The program has made 23 first round appearances and advanced to the second round 14 times, Sweet 16 four times, Elite Eight four times, Final Four twice and championship once.  

3. RECAPPING THE WEEK: Wisconsin is coming off a hard fought 1-0 loss to Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament Championship. Despite dominating, Wisconsin ended up falling to the Hawkeyes off a penalty kick goal. It was Iowa’s only shot on goal during the entire contest.

Emma Jaskaniec and Aryssa Mahrt were both named to the All-Tournament team while Jaskaniec won Offensive Player of the Tournament.

The Badgers went on to claim a spot in the NCAA Tournament during the selection show on Monday, which saw the team earn the No. 4 seed.

4. HOW TO FOLLOW: You can live stream the action through ESPN+. Additionally, follow Wisconsin women’s soccer on Twitter (@BadgerWSoccer) and Instagram (@badgerwsoccer).

5. UP NEXT: If Wisconsin wins, the Badgers will move onto the second round and face the winner of the Texas/Lamar University match.