Both Illinois (4-3-1, 0-1-0) and the Wisconsin Badgers (4-2-1, 0-1-0) suffered losses last week, making Thursday’s game crucial, as both teams hunt for their first conference win.
The two programs have a long and competitive history, with an 11-13-6 record in favor of Wisconsin. Their last match was in 2023 when the Badgers sealed a victory with an 89th-minute goal. After suffering a similar late-game defeat against Minnesota, Illinois is aiming to turn the tide and secure a win.
Currently, Illinois and Wisconsin both hold zero conference points, but Wisconsin ranks slightly higher at No. 11 compared to Illinois at No. 14. Wisconsin also features graduate student midfielder/forward Aryssa Mahrt, who ranks No. 6 in the conference with six goals, one assist and 20 shots on goal.
This season, Wisconsin has a 1-1-1 record at home while the Illini sit at 1-1 away. Being so closely matched statistically, the difference will be made by early scoring opportunities. Both teams will look to capitalize in the first half. If the Illini can secure an early lead, it might push them to their first conference victory.
In their last three scoring appearances, Illinois scored evenly across both halves, showing they have the ability to capitalize at any time during the game. Conversely, in the same span of games, Wisconsin netted all but one of their goals in the second half. Illinois will need to score in the first and then hold Wisconsin in the second half.
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The Badgers have 10 goals this season, six of which came from Mahrt. Only four other Badgers have scored, each contributing only one goal each. Combine this with only eight players recording assists, and Illinois faces another challenge of preventing a top scorer from getting alone and blasting through their defense. Man-marking, stopping the ball and proper coverage will be essential in Illinois’ search for a win on Thursday. Facing a team with a similar play style to Minnesota is an opportunity for the Illini to showcase their improvement in ball movement and finishing.
Illinois and Wisconsin play at 7 p.m. at McClimon Soccer Complex in Madison. The match will be streamed on BIG+.
