(UW ATHLETICS) – MADISON – The No. 18 Wisconsin men’s soccer team (8-2-3, 2-2-3 B1G) pulled off a thrilling 4-3 upset over No. 10 UCLA (7-2-4, 3-2-2 B1G) on Friday night at McClimon. Despite conceding the opening goal, the Badgers remained relentless, ultimately securing the victory with a late second-half winner.
How it Happened:
The game opened with an impressive save from Judewellin Michel in the sixth minute. Five minutes later, the Bruins took their only lead of the night, converting a free kick from just outside the box.
The Badgers responded in the 19th minute as Roman Eisa headed home a cross from Isaac Brown-Samper. The equalizer marked Eisa’s fourth goal of the season.
Wisconsin took its first lead of the evening following a hustle play from Markie Hrvojevic. The senior tapped in his team-leading fifth goal of the season in the 34th minute, putting the Badgers ahead 2-1.
Just two minutes later, UCLA found the back of the net to knot the game at two heading into halftime.
The Badgers were awarded a penalty kick just two minutes into the second half, which Matthew Zachemski converted to put Wisconsin back ahead 3-2.
UCLA converted a penalty kick of its own to even the game at three-all in the 58th minute. Michel made another impressive save to keep the Badgers within striking distance before senior captain Ellis Jones delivered the decisive blow in the 75th minute, firing the game-winner past UCLA’s keeper to give Wisconsin a 4-3 lead.
Key Notes:
- Wisconsin played its fourth match against a top-10 ranked opponent, its most during the regular season in program history. The Badgers went 1-1-2 during that stretch.
- Ellis Jones’ game-winner was his first deciding goal as a Badger.
- The win marked Wisconsin’s first victory over a top-10 opponent since beating No. 2 Kentucky, 1-0, in 2023.
Up Next: Wisconsin completes its four-match home slate on Tuesday, Oct. 20 when it faces Evansville. Kickoff at the McClimon Soccer complex is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT.
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