(UW ATHLETICS) IRVINE, Calif. – The Wisconsin women’s soccer will face No. 1 USC in the sweet sixteen round of the NCAA tournament. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. (CT) on Sunday Nov 24th at Great Park in Irvine California.
Here are five things to know:
1. BADGERS SWEET 16 HISTORY : The Badgers have reached the Sweet 16 for only the fifth time in program history, marking a significant milestone. Their last appearance at this stage of the NCAA Tournament came during the 2021 season.
2.SCOUTING THE TROJANS: This will be the third meeting between Badgers and the Trojans. The two met earlier this season and USC came out with a 3-0 victory. The all-time series is tied 1-1.
USC enters the Sweet 16 as the No. 1 seed and ranks fifth in the RPI, showcasing their dominant season.
The Trojans posted a stellar 10-0-1 record in conference play to capture the Big Ten regular-season title in their debut season.
Offensively, USC averages 2.0 goals per game while limiting opponents to just 0.76 goals, highlighting their balanced attack and defensive strength. They generate an average of 14.8 shots per game, with 41.8% of those on target.
In goal, Laurence Gladu has been a reliable presence, playing every minute and recording a .787 save percentage to anchor the Trojans’ defense.
3. LAST TIME OUT: The No. 5-seeded Wisconsin women’s soccer team triumphed over No. 4 Virginia, winning 4-2 in penalty kicks during the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Although the game remained scoreless, the Badgers dominated the offensive pace in the first half, outshooting Virginia 4-2 and keeping the Cavaliers on the defensive.
After 20 minutes of overtime without a goal, the match went to a shootout. The Badgers won in PK’s, 4-2, with successful penalty kicks from Hailey Baumann, Erin Connolly, Aryssa Mahrt, and Ella Ottey. Drew Stover made a save that secured next round play.
4. HOW TO FOLLOW: The live stream and live stats for both games can be found on UWBadgers.com. Additionally, follow Wisconsin women’s soccer on X/Twitter (@BadgerWSoccer) and Instagram (@badgerwsoccer).
5. UP NEXT: If UW overcomes USC, they will face either Ohio State or Wake Forest in the Elite 8.
Comments