CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Wisconsin women’s soccer team faced No. 3 North Carolina, one of the best teams in the nation, on Thursday and came away with a 0-0 draw. The team once again locked down its opposition and prevented UNC from scoring.
How it happened
It was another match in hot conditions for the Badgers, who were playing in Chapel Hill in 95-degree weather. As a result, both sides understandably showed exhaustion early on. The Badgers and Tar Heels took advantage of their substitutions, frequently rotating players in and out. The Wisconsin defense kept one of the best offenses in the country at bay in the first half, heading into the break 0-0.
It was much of the same in the second half, with both sides battling it out. It is a very big result for Wisconsin, who were the underdogs heading into the match. The last time the Badgers won or tied against the No. 3 team in the nation was back on 10/27/17. The team’s last non-conference win against a ranked opponent was that same season in a 1-0 win against then ranked No. 3 Virginia. On top of that, the Badgers are now the first Big Ten team ever to earn a tie or win in Chapel Hill.
For the entire 90 minutes it was the Erin McKinney show. Wisconsin’s keeper came up big in multiple instances throughout the game, having an insane eight saves in the match. She is a big reason why Wisconsin has yet to give up a goal in the regular season, extending its shutout streak to three games.
Next up
The Badgers stay in North Carolina and face No. 4 Duke on August 27 at 11 a.m. (CT).