Huskers’ Bid for Big Ten Glory Halted by Clinical Badgers

COLUMBUS, OH – The Nebraska soccer team’s valiant effort in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals was not enough to stave off a determined Wisconsin side, as the #15 Huskers fell 3-1 to the #12 Badgers on Thursday afternoon at Lower.com Field.

In a match that was a testament to their resilience and offensive potential, the Huskers outshot their opponents but found themselves undone by moments of Wisconsin’s sharper finishing.

The opening salvo came from Wisconsin’s Aryssa Mahrt in the 16th minute, who capitalized on a precise assist from Maia Richters. Nebraska’s response was as swift as it was impressive, holding the Badgers without a shot for the next 13 minutes. The Huskers’ defensive solidity set the stage for a beautiful piece of attacking play.

The equalizer arrived in the 27th minute from the boot of Sarah Weber, who has been nothing short of sensational this season. The play unfolded with Abbey Schwarz slicing through the Wisconsin defense, setting up Jordan Zade, whose assist numbers are a shining indicator of her vision on the field. Zade’s cross found Weber, who, with her clinical finish, not only leveled the scores but also etched her name into a decade-long history by becoming one of two players to score 12 or more goals in a season for the Huskers since 2010.

The halftime statistics mirrored the tightness of the contest, with the teams deadlocked at one shot on goal and two corners each. However, the Huskers edged the Badgers in shots, evidencing their attacking dominance, led by Weber with three attempts.

After the interval, the Huskers’ forward momentum continued, with Weber nearly adding to her tally, only to be denied by the woodwork following a save from the Badger goalie. But soccer often hinges on moments, and it was Emma Jaskaniec of Wisconsin who grabbed the next, putting her team ahead in the 52nd minute after another decisive contribution from Mahrt.

The Huskers, undeterred, pressed for an equalizer, creating opportunities that, on another day, might have found the Wisconsin net. But it was not to be. Instead, it was Maia Richters who put the result beyond doubt with a goal in the 83rd minute, securing the Badgers’ place in the Big Ten final and leaving the Huskers to contemplate what might have been.

As the Huskers now turn their attention to the NCAA selection show, scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m. CT, they can hold their heads high, knowing their season’s narrative is still unfinished. With the potential for an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament, Nebraska’s soccer story has chapters yet unwritten, and the ambition of reaching greater heights remains undimmed.

For more information and future updates on Nebraska soccer and all Husker athletics, visit HuskersToday.com.