Wisconsin Badgers
Big Ten
The Wisconsin Badgers have been very consistent all year long as their ability to defend at an elite level has carried the Badgers this season. They also have been very sound with their attack. They have started fast in the opening halves of matches and that has forced opponents to push forward earlier than they would like. This side has the right mix of experience and a veteran head coach in Paula Wilkins that will be primed for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
2014 Record: 18-2-2, 9-2-2
Coach: Paula Wilkins
Good Results: 9/5 at Washington (4-0), 10/24 Rutgers (1-0)
Bad Results: 9/14 at Michigan (1-2), 10/31 at Illinois (0-0)
Why They Can Surprise:
When opposing teams have any dangerous scoring opportunities against Wisconsin, they have to cash in and score goals. The Badgers defensively have rivaled the likes of UCLA as far as their quality is concerned defensively and that makes them very dangerous. Redshirt senior goalkeeper Genevieve Richard sets the tone with her experience and leadership. Richard is complimented by the trio of juniors Molly Laufenberg and Brianna Stelzer and sophomore Kylie Schwarz along the Badger backline.
Offensively, sophomore midfielder Rose Lavelle is the top playmaker that sets up senior forward Cara Walls, redshirt senior forward Kodee Williams, and junior midfielder Kinley McNicoll to finish scoring chances for the Badgers. This balanced attack, along with the commitment to defending, is a great recipe for success in the NCAA Tournament.
Why They Can Disappoint:
When Wisconsin has struggled this season and not have not won, it has boiled down to not finishing in the attacking third. In the Penn State and Michigan matches, the Badgers failed to take advantage of their opportunities. Against the Wolverines, the Badgers had 12 corner kicks to the Wolverines two. But, they could not put away Michigan and they scored the game-winning goal at the 89:59 mark to get the victory. In the NCAA tournament, Wisconsin can’t afford to let quality scoring chances slip away from them and keep opponents in matches. It is going to be important for the Badgers to create great scoring chances convert them early and let their defense finish the job so they can advance on to the next round.
Key Strikers:
Cara Walls, Senior, 12 goals, 0 assists
Kodee Williams, Senior, 7 goals, 7 assists
Key Midfielders:
Kinley McNicoll, Junior, 9 goals, 8 assists
Rose Lavelle, Sophomore, 3 goals, 9 assists
Becca Harrison, Freshman, 2 goals, 1 assist
Key Defenders:
Molly Laufenberg, Junior, 1 goal, 1 assist
Brianna Stelzer, Junior, 1 goal, 1 assist
Kylie Schwarz, Sophomore, 0 goals, 0 assists
Key Goalkeepers:
Genevieve Richard, Senior, 0.32 goals against average, .909 save percentage, 15 shutouts
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 1.89 (53rd in nation, 2nd in conference)
Goals-Against Average: 0.357 (4, 1)
Shutout Percentage: .737 (3, 1)
Save Percentage: .905 (3, 1)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2012 First Round Lost to UCLA
2010 First Round Defeated Milwaukee
2010 Second Round Lost to Marquette
2009 First Round Defeated Arizona State
2009 Second Round Defeated UCF
2009 Third Round Lost to Boston College
2005 First Round Lost to Marquette
2004 First Round Defeated Dayton
2004 Second Round Lost to Notre Dame
2002 First Round Defeated Marquette
2002 Second Round Lost to Pepperdine
*all team stats through 11/2
See All Women’s Soccer Postseason Capsules
