After notching its first Big Ten win, Northwestern (5-6-2, 1-5-1 Big Ten) returns to Lakeside Field on Sunday to play Big Ten powerhouse Wisconsin (11-2-1, 5-2-1). A week ago, it was the Wildcats’ aim to start off a series of home games with a win to lead them toward competing in the Big Ten tournament. With their game against Illinois resulting in a win, NU is off to a strong start, but the Badgers make for a formidable foe on each side of the ball.

Wisconsin comes to town fourth in the Big Ten standings, while the Cats sit all the way back at 13th. Despite the Badgers’ strong record, they are winless in their last two games, a scoreless tie at home against Iowa and a disappointing 0-2 loss at home against conference leader Penn State.

Wisconsin has a balanced attack, ranking second in the Big Ten both in goals scored with two per game and in goals allowed with 0.43 per game. The Badgers’ real strength is in their back line, as they lead the conference in shutouts with 10 and have the fewest average saves per game. In other words, opponents have a tough time getting quality shots on goal.

NU is coming off a win over Illinois that was due to a stout defensive effort and a couple of distance conversions from sophomore forward and leading scorer Addie Steiner. The Cats need a repeat performance from freshman goalkeeper Lauren Clem and the back line against an efficient Wisconsin team that features two of the top scorers in the conference.

Both NU’s offense and defense will need to have a vigorous performance against this formidable Badgers team on Sunday to obtain NU’s second conference win.

Players to Watch

Kinley McNicoll

The junior midfielder from Ontario, Canada, is number four in the conference in total points and number five in points per game . The Cats’ defense will have to pay special attention to McNicoll on Sunday if they want to secure another conference win.

Cara Walls

Leading the Big Ten in game winning goals, the senior forward from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, knows how to score under pressure. She is also ranked number two in goals scored per game, just one spot behind Illinois’ Jannelle Flaws, whom the Cats shut out last week. As with McNicoll, the Cats’ defense will need to be aware of Walls.

Genevieve Richard

The senior goalkeeper from Saint-Bruno, Quebec, leads the Big Ten in shutouts with eight. However, she is only ranked at tied for 8th in saves, as the strong defensive line in front of her does not allow many shots to be taken. In order to win, the Cats will need to get past the Badgers’ defense and pressure Richard.

Email: [email protected]