Columbus, Ohio – Despite outshooting the Badgers 15-10, the #15 Nebraska soccer team (14-3-3) saw its Big Ten Tournament run come to an end in the semifinals as the Huskers fell to #12 Wisconsin (13-3-4) 3-1 at Lower.com Field on Thursday afternoon.
The Badgers scored first as Aryssa Mahrt found the back of the net off an assist from Maia Richters in the 16th minute, but the Huskers kept the defensive pressure as they held the Badgers shotless for the following 13 minutes.
Sarah Weber then scored the equalizer in the 27th minute as Abbey Schwarz started the play as she dribbled through the Badger defense and passed to Jordan Zade, who now is tied for second on the team with seven assists. Zade sent a cross into the 18-yard box, which was gathered by Weber who punched the ball past the Badger goalie for her 12th finish of the season. This goal also marked the first time since 2010 that the Huskers have had two players with 12 or more goals on the season.
At the half, the teams were tied with just one shot on goal and two corners apiece, but the Huskers held the advantage in shots (8-3), with Weber leading the way with three.
To start the second half, the Huskers had an opportunity to score as Weber took a shot which was saved by the Badger goalie into the crossbar, but it was Wisconsin who scored first. In the 52nd minute, Emma Jaskaniec tallied a finish off an assist from Mahrt to take the 2-1 lead.
The Huskers battled and had opportunities to even the score, but were unable to find the back of the net. Wisconsin then sealed the 3-1 victory with a finish by Richters in the 83rd minute.
The NCAA selection show, set for Monday at 3 p.m. (CT), will be streamed on NCAA.com.
