Oct. 1, 2006
Box Score
MADISON, Wis. -- The 26th-ranked Wildcats dropped a 2-0 decision this afternoon to the Wisconsin Badgers in Big Ten play in Madison, Wis. Northwestern, playing without two of its regular starters due to injury, couldn't generate the kind of offense they have been accustomed to this season, recording just 10 shots in the game.
The win moves Wisconsin to 6-3-2 and 2-0-1 in the Big Ten while Northwestern slips to 8-3 and 1-2 in conference play.
"I think Wisconsin wanted the game a little bit more today," head coach Tim Lenahan said. "Even though the game was pretty much even, they were the team that imposed their will and made the plays when they needed. We had several chances to even the game up when it was 1-0. In the first 25 minutes we played very well but we couldn't score a goal, the game settled in a little bit and they were the better team from there on out.
"Probably for the first time this year I was a little disappointed with our performance and our effort, but that is the first time in 11 games this year we didn't really bring it. But we have a lot of soccer left this season and I think we'll be fine."
After a scoreless first half, Wisconsin scored the game's first goal nine minutes into the second half when Andy Miller and William Bagayoko assisted on a Reid Johnson goal in the 54th minute.
Later in the 72nd minute, Wisconsin added the second goal when Pablo Delgado fired a low shot past goalkeeper Will Briley from the left side of the 18-yard box.
Junior David Roth led NU with three shots. Geoff Fallon, Eamon O'Neill, Carl Pett and Matt Witt all had one shot on goal.
Will Briley took the loss in goal, recording one save in 74 minutes while Justin Pines played the final 15:40, also making one save. Jake Settle made two saves for the Badgers.
Northwestern is back in action this Wednesday at home against Valparaiso. Game time is 3:30 p.m.