Rutgers Women's Soccer Stuns No. 14 Wisconsin, Ends Badgers' Unbeaten Big Ten Run

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Wisconsin had gone 360 minutes of Big Ten soccer this season without conceding a goal. Rutgers needed just under 10 minutes to end that streak and, ultimately, the Badgers' unbeaten run.

Ashley Baran scored at 9:57, Julia Joseph broke a 1-1 tie at 59:58, and Lilia Calvert added a third at 85:35, as Rutgers defeated No. 14 Wisconsin 3-1 on Sunday at Yurcak Field. The win snapped the Badgers' nine-match unbeaten streak and their run of four straight shutouts.

For Rutgers, it was a much-needed victory after three consecutive one-goal losses, their first win since the Big Ten opener at Oregon on Sept. 10. The Scarlet Knights entered the match at 2-4-3 overall and 1-3-0 in conference play, having not scored since a goal against Purdue a week earlier. Baran's early strike ended that drought at 153 minutes and 58 seconds of play.

Interestingly, both of Rutgers' Big Ten wins this season have ended an opponent's unbeaten streak.

Wisconsin's Strong Start Comes to an Abrupt Halt

Wisconsin arrived in New Jersey as the No. 14 team in the coaches poll, boasting a 7-1-2 overall record and a 3-0-1 mark in Big Ten play. The Badgers had not lost since a season-opening defeat to No. 6 TCU on Aug. 13, and they had outscored their conference opponents 5-0 in their first four league matches.

Head coach Paula Wilkins, in her 20th season at Madison, has built a program known for defensive solidity. The Badgers were anchored by senior goalkeeper Drew Stover, who started all 22 matches last season with 10 shutouts, and a veteran back line. Their defense had been impenetrable in conference play until Sunday.

Baran Breaks Through Early for Rutgers

Wisconsin had the first look of the match, but it was Rutgers who struck first. After a series of early offside calls and missed chances, Baran finished bottom center off her left foot at 9:57, with Reilly McGlinn credited with the assist. It was the first goal Wisconsin had conceded in Big Ten play all season.

The lead lasted just over five minutes. Freshman midfielder Izy Traub equalized for the Badgers at 15:18, scoring top right off her right foot, unassisted.

Wisconsin pressed for the remainder of the first half, outshooting Rutgers 7-3 and putting four shots on target. But Rutgers goalkeeper Olivia Bodmer was equal to the task, making three saves to keep the match level at halftime.

Joseph and Calvert Seal the Upset in the Second Half

Rutgers came out strong after the break. After a flurry of activity, defender Julia Joseph finished top right off her right foot at 59:58, with Calvert credited with the assist, to give the Scarlet Knights a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish.

Rutgers then dominated the next stretch, unleashing a flurry of shots that forced Stover into three saves in a 92-second span. The Badgers' goalkeeper kept her team in the match, but the Scarlet Knights' pressure was relentless.

Calvert, who had been substituted off and then brought back on at 77:47, sealed the victory with a goal at 85:35, finishing bottom left off her right foot, unassisted. It was her third career goal, all of which have come at Yurcak Field after the 83rd minute.

Looking Ahead: Rutgers Travels to Iowa

The Scarlet Knights improved to 3-4-3 overall and 2-3-0 in the Big Ten with the win. Wisconsin dropped to 7-2-2 and 3-1-1.

Rutgers now heads back on the road, traveling roughly 1,000 miles west to face Iowa on Sunday, Oct. 4. The Scarlet Knights will then return home for matches against Northwestern on Oct. 8 and Nebraska on Oct. 11.

For a Rutgers team that had been struggling, the win over a ranked conference rival provides a significant boost as the middle of the Big Ten schedule begins.

Photo: Yahoo Sports