The University of Wisconsin men’s soccer team continued its historic early‑season surge on Saturday, defeating the University of Portland Pilots 2‑1 in a thrilling contest that came down to the final seconds. The Badgers, ranked No. 17 nationally and entering the game with a flawless 5‑0‑0 record, earned their fifth straight victory, underscoring the strength of the program under head coach John Trask.
Key moments
Wisconsin’s goalkeeper Judewellin Michel set the tone early, making a crucial save in the fifth minute on a long‑range effort from outside the box. Portland responded with sustained pressure, registering six shots in the opening 20 minutes, but Michel’s composure kept the Badgers in control.
In the 26th minute, a well‑placed corner from junior defender Joaquin Torres found forward Markie Hrvojevic, who headed home his fourth goal of the season to give Wisconsin a 1‑0 lead. Torres and teammate Ellis Jones were credited with assists on the play, highlighting the team’s cohesive attacking unit.
Just before halftime, Michel again proved decisive, denying a close‑range attempt by Portland’s Joe Highfield and preserving the one‑goal advantage heading into the locker room.
The second half saw Portland intensify its assault, forcing Michel into a series of saves. Their persistence paid off in the 55th minute when a corner kick was converted by Efetobo Aror, leveling the score at 1‑1.
With the game hanging in the balance, Torres made a vital block inside the box in the 87th minute, preventing a potential go‑ahead goal for the Pilots. Then, with less than ten seconds remaining, junior forward Emile Kisse unleashed a powerful strike into the upper left corner, securing the decisive 2‑1 victory for the Badgers.
Historical context and upcoming challenges
This win marks only the second victory the Badgers have recorded over Portland in program history (now 2‑4‑2), the first coming during Wisconsin’s 1995 national championship season in the NCAA Men’s College Cup semifinals. The current season also represents the sixth time the Badgers have opened a campaign with a perfect 5‑0‑0 record, a testament to the sustained excellence of the program.
Michel’s performance was a standout, as he logged a career‑high nine saves, showcasing the depth of talent between the posts. The team’s defensive resilience, combined with timely offensive contributions, positions Wisconsin as a serious contender in the upcoming Big Ten schedule.
Looking ahead, the Badgers will host No. 4 Ohio State on Friday, Sept. 11, for the start of Big Ten play. The match, scheduled for a 7 p.m. CT kickoff, will also be Alumni Night at McClimon, offering fans an opportunity to celebrate the team’s early success and rally behind a squad poised to compete for conference honors.
Why this matters to our community
For Wisconsin families and alumni, the Badgers’ early dominance provides a source of pride and unity, reinforcing the values of teamwork, perseverance, and dedication that resonate beyond the soccer field. The thrilling finish, highlighted by Kisse’s last‑second heroics, offers a memorable moment for students, parents, and supporters who gather each weekend to cheer on their university’s athletes.
As the season progresses, the Badgers’ performance will continue to draw attention to the university’s athletic program, encouraging local businesses and community partners to engage with the team through sponsorships, game‑day events, and youth outreach initiatives. This synergy between athletics and the broader community exemplifies the spirit of collegiate sports as a unifying force.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
