In a tightly contested match at Western Michigan’s newly lit stadium in Kalamazoo, the No. 23 Wisconsin Badgers men’s soccer team continued its strong start to the 2026 season with a 1‑0 victory. The win marked the Badgers’ third consecutive shutout, underscoring a defense that has already become a cornerstone of the squad.
Key moments
The game began with Western Michigan pressing early, earning three corner kicks within the first five minutes. Wisconsin’s first shot on target came in the ninth minute when senior defender Ellis Jones attempted a round‑house kick on a loose ball inside the box. Both sides traded possession throughout the first half, with the Broncos coming close to scoring when a corner in the 25th minute nearly found the net.
The breakthrough arrived just before halftime. A late corner kick was cleared to the top of the penalty area, where senior forward Joaquin Torres met the ball and fired it into the net in the 45th minute. It was Torres’s first goal as a Badger and his fourth career goal at the collegiate level.
Defensive resilience
The second half mirrored the first, with each team finding a rhythm but failing to create clear scoring chances. A potential penalty in the 58th minute was reviewed by VAR and ultimately dismissed. Wisconsin goalkeeper Judewellin Michel made two crucial saves, preserving the clean sheet and earning his third shutout of the season.
Western Michigan’s best chance came in the 81st minute when Braden Stevanovic beat two defenders before shooting over the crossbar. Wisconsin’s Joon Han recorded his first shot of the season in the 62nd minute, but the effort deflected off WMU defender Alex Lindewirth and was recovered by Markie Hrvojevic, whose rebound also missed the target.
Statistics and next steps
Wisconsin outshot the Broncos 10‑8, but was far more efficient, registering eight shots on target compared with Western Michigan’s two. The Badgers now turn their attention to a home contest at the McClimon Soccer Complex on Monday night against Marquette, a game that will further test their defensive solidity and offensive firepower.
Coach name omitted for brevity praised the team’s composure, noting that “maintaining three straight shutouts early in the season is a testament to the hard work our players put in every day, both on the field and in the classroom.” The Badgers remain focused on building momentum as they navigate a challenging non‑conference schedule.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
