(UW ATHLETICS) PORTLAND, ORE – The No. 17 Wisconsin men’s soccer team (5-0-0) earned its fifth-straight win to open the season Saturday night, defeating the Portland Pilots (0-3-1), 2-1. Emile Kisse scored the game-winning goal with four seconds remaining to give the Badgers the victory.
How it Happened:
Wisconsin keeper Judewellin Michel was tested early, making the first save of the game on a shot from outside the box in the fifth minute. Portland continued to bring the pressure, totaling six shots in the first 20 minutes of the game.
After making two key blocks for the Badgers, Joaquin Torres took a corner kick in the 26th minute that resulted in a Wisconsin goal by Markie Hrvojevic. Torres and Ellis Jones earned assists on Hrvojevic’s team-best fourth goal of the season.
With two minutes remaining before the break, Michel made a key save on a shot from Portland’s Joe Highfield to maintain the one-goal lead.
Portland started the second half much like the first, forcing Michel to make multiple saves and constantly bringing attacking pressure. The Pilots tied the game in the 55th minute on a corner kick of their own when Efetobo Aror found the back of the net.
Torres made a crucial block inside the box in the 87th minute to keep the score tied at 1-1. With less than 10 seconds remaining in the game, junior forward Emile Kisse fired a brilliant shot into the upper left corner of the net to secure the Wisconsin victory.
Key Notes:
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Wisconsin’s most recent win against Portland came during the Badgers’ 1995 national championship season during the semifinals of the NCAA Men’s College Cup. Tonight was just the second program win over the Pilots (2-4-2).
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The Badgers have started the season 5-0-0 for the sixth time in program history.
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Judewellin Michel made a career-high nine saves.
Up Next: Wisconsin opens Big Ten play with a home match against No. 4 Ohio State on Friday, Sept. 11. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT and it is Alumni Night at McClimon.
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