(UW ATHLETICS) KALAMAZOO, MICH – The No. 23 Wisconsin men’s soccer team earned its third consecutive shutout to open the season Thursday night, defeating Western Michigan, 1-0. Senior transfer Joaquin Torres provided the lone goal as Wisconsin handed the Broncos a loss in their first-ever home night match under newly installed lights.
How it Happened:
The Badgers’ defense was tested early as Western Michigan earned three corner kicks in the first five minutes. Wisconsin recorded the first shot on target in the ninth minute when senior defender Ellis Jones attempted a roundhouse kick on a loose ball inside the box.
Both teams settled in during the first half, trading possession and opportunities before a WMU corner kick came inches from deflecting into the goal in the 25th minute.
Wisconsin broke the 0-0 deadlock in the 45th minute after a late corner kick deflected out to the top of the box, where senior Joaquin Torres fired the ball into the net.
The second half started similar to the first with each team finding a rhythm. Tensions rose in the 58th minute, but a VAR review concluded that no penalty occurred.
Joon Han recorded his first shot of the season in the 62nd minute, but his attempt deflected off Western Michigan’s Alex Lindewirth and fell to Markie Hrvojevic, who fired the rebound over the net.
WMU’s best chance of the second half came when Braden Stevanovic beat two defenders before sending his shot over the top of the net in the 81st minute.
The Badgers held off the Broncos’ late-game attack, securing their third shutout in as many games. Sophomore Judewellin Michel made two saves to keep Western Michigan off the scoreboard.
Key Notes:
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Joaquin Torres scored his first goal as a Badger, his fourth career goal.
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Wisconsin outshot Western Michigan 10-8, but recorded eight shots on target compared to WMU’s two.
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Judewellin Michel recorded his third shutout of the season.
Up Next: Wisconsin returns to the McClimon Soccer Complex for a Monday night contest against Marquette (2-0-1). The I-94 showdown on August 31 will kickoff at 7 p.m. CT.
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