A Promising Start for the Badgers
The Wisconsin Badgers opened their 2026 women's soccer campaign with a hard‑fought 1‑0 win over ninth‑ranked BYU at the McClimon Soccer Complex in Madison. The victory marked the team’s first triumph of the season and came in front of a home crowd eager to see the new‑look squad.
Wisconsin’s backline held firm throughout, limiting BYU to just four shots on target despite the Cougars’ 12 overall attempts. Goalkeeper Drew Stover made four saves, preserving a clean sheet and frustrating a BYU attack that struggled to break through. BYU goalkeeper Chelsea Peterson made several saves, including her first of the game, but could not stop the late penalty.
The Moment That Made the Difference
The turning point arrived in the 80th minute when a gritty play earned Wisconsin a penalty kick. Erin Connolly stepped up to take the spot kick, and her precise strike found the back of the net. The goal, scored by Hailey Baumann after the rebound, secured the shutout and sparked celebration among the home fans.
With the win under their belts, the Badgers turn their attention to a upcoming showdown against Marquette on August 23 at 5 p.m., a match that will be streamed on B1G+.