The Badgers opened the 2026 season with a tightly contested 1-0 victory over Western Michigan, marking the first competitive match played under the newly installed lights at their home venue.
A Night of Firsts
Joaquin Torres, who had yet to find the back of the net in his collegiate career, broke the deadlock with a well‑placed strike that also counted as his fourth career goal, giving Wisconsin an early lead.
The team’s defensive unit proved equally decisive, with Judewellin Michel turning in a series of crucial saves that preserved the clean sheet and extended the Badgers’ unbeaten run to three games.
Despite being outshot 10‑8, Wisconsin managed eight attempts on target compared to just two from the Broncos, a disparity that underscored the quality of the opposition’s defending and the Badgers’ composure under pressure.
A video assistant referee review in the 58th minute confirmed that no penalty was warranted, allowing the Badgers to maintain their slender advantage without disruption.
The match also featured a few notable moments, such as Ellis Jones’ roundhouse kick in the ninth minute that produced the first shot on target for Wisconsin, and Braden Stevanovic’s late attempt that sailed over the crossbar.
Looking Ahead
Wisconsin is scheduled to face Marquette on August 31 at 7 p.m. Central Time, a contest that will be streamed on B1G+ and promoted across the conference’s social platforms.