Wisconsin edges the Spartans, 1-0

October 16, 2011

MADISON, WIS. - The Wisconsin men's soccer team earned its third-straight conference victory Sunday afternoon at the McClimon Complex. The Badgers topped the Michigan State Spartans, 1-0.

UW improves its record to 7-4-2 overall and a perfect 3-0-0 in the Big Ten. Michigan State falls to 4-7-2 and 1-2-1 in the conference.

With the win, the Badgers remain unbeaten in the Big Ten. The Badgers' 3-0-0 conference record is their best since the 1995 season when UW began conference play with four consecutive victories.

Sophomore Chris Prince (Naperville, Ill.) scored the game's only goal in the 33rd minute off a pass from senior Josh Thiermann (Stoughton, Wis.).

The eventual game-winner marks Prince's fourth goal of the season and first game-winner. Prince is tied with junior Tomislav Zadro (Toronto, Ontario) for a team-best four goals.

Wisconsin outshot the Spartans, 6-2, in the first half.

Michigan State had many opportunities in the second half, where it outshot Wisconsin, 4-1. The Spartans also took three corner kicks to the Badgers' one and committed just five fouls to Wisconsin's 11 in the half.

However, the UW defense was able to shut down the Spartan's attack, and keep Michigan State from finding the back of the net.

"We were resolute in our defending, which we talked to the guys about," said UW head coach John Trask. "You go down the stretch and it is about those little critical moments in both boxes, we made the plays and defended their plays. It is a fantastic win for the guys."

Sophomore Max Jentsch (Hartland, Wis.) recorded his second shutout of the season, while improving his record to 5-1-2.

The Badgers travel north this week for a mid-week matchup with Green Bay. Wisconsin meets up with the Phoenix on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.