(UW ATHLETICS) MADISON – The Wisconsin men’s soccer team opened the season in style, scoring four goals in the first half and shutting out Saint Mary’s to secure a 5-0 victory. Aidan Martinez led the way with three points.
How it Happened:
The Badgers got an opportunity early after a VAR review resulted in a Gaels red card in the ninth minute. Matthew Zachemski picked up where he left off last season and buried his shot into the back right corner of the net to give Wisconsin the lead.
Wisconsin took advantage of Saint Mary’s playing down a man, bringing continuous pressure for the remainder of the half. Just seven minutes after the first goal, Luke van Heukelum scored his first as a Badger in the 16th minute.
After securing his first point with an assist on van Heukelum’s goal, Aidan Martinez netted his first of the season in the 40th minute. Caleb Capone earned an assist as his shot rebounded off the keeper directly to Martinez.
Martinez came inches away from scoring his second goal of the night, but a VAR review determined that the ball did not cross the goal line. A Saint Mary’s foul inside the box shortly after resulted in the Badgers second penalty kick of the match. Cristobal Porter took it with ease, giving Wisconsin a 4-0 lead in the 44th minute.
The Gaels came out of the break stronger, out-shooting Wisconsin 4-2 in the second frame, but the Badgers were able to find the back of the net for the fifth time in the 74th minute. Caleb Capone sent a crossing pass to Markie Hrvojevic, who deposited the ball into the net.
Goalkeeper Judewellin Michel faced his lone shot on goal in the 78th minute after the Gaels were awarded a free kick inside the box after a pass back to the keeper. Michel was calm under pressure, punching the ball out of harms way and securing the shutout.
Key Notes:
- UW’s 5-0 opening-night win was one shy of UW’s best mark of 6-0 set in a victory over Central Michigan in 1990.
- The 5-0 opening-night win marked the third in UW history, matching the 2022 team’s victory over Utah Tech and the 1993 team’s triumph over St. Mary’s (CA).
- Zachemski’s goal was his fourth successful penalty kick in four attempts throughout his collegiate career.
- Michel’s shutout was his first as a Badger and second in his career.
Up Next: Wisconsin will cap off its opening weekend with a match against Oakland Sunday afternoon. The Badgers face the Golden Grizzlies on Aug. 23 at McClimon Soccer Complex, with kickoff set for 2 p.m. CT.
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