How It Happened
The Irish almost got an early erupt from the crowd in the first few minutes of the match as a Korbin Albert cross into the middle of the box found Olivia Wingate’s foot who one-timed her shot. Unfortunately, Wisconsin’s goalkeeper Erin McKinney made a quick-reaction save to keep it level.
Just a few minutes later, it was a streaking Wingate again who found her way behind the Badger defense on a through ball down the middle, but McKinney made another big save.
Midway through the half, the Irish had another great scoring opportunity via a deep ball from Kiki Van Zanten which found Brianna Martinez on the right side. However, Martinez was taken down in the box with no call.
Another near goal came in the 55th minute via a dangerous cross from Martinez. Wisconsin’s McKinney had to make a diving play to punch the ball away from the top of the box. Next, the ball landed right at Maddie Mercado’s feet, but her shot was right at the keeper as McKinney quickly regained her footing.
Then, in the 62nd minute, Wingate opened the flood gates. It started with what was the first career assist for Waniya Hudson who dumped a ball up top for Wingate who ran it down then delivered it far post for the goal.
Then exactly two minutes later on the dot, Van Zanten headed a ball behind the Wisconsin defense as Wingate used her speed to go on the breakaway then nutmegged the goalie.
Same case for Wingate’s third goal in the 86th minute, except this time it was Caroline Gray who headed a back ball in behind the defense as Wingate ran on and put it away.
Mercado’s goal was produced in the 82nd minute. Albert beat a few defenders on the dribble then placed a perfect cross from the left side to the far post where Mercado followed the ball into the net.
Up Next
The Irish look to remain undefeated and get a little retribution from last season when they travel to Bloomington to take on Indiana on Sunday, Sept. 4. First touch is scheduled for 6 pm ET.
