After a top-three takedown by defending champion Washington and a down-to-the-wire ranked draw, we’re set for another weekend of Big Ten men’s soccer that promises more fireworks.
Washington blanks No. 3 Ohio State
For the second time this season, Washington defeated the nation’s third-ranked team, taking down then-No. 3 Ohio State 4-0 in Columbus.
Harrison Bertos opened the scoring in the 39th minute before the Huskies controlled the second half. Zach Ramsey added on to his nation-leading goal total (12) with a bending free kick goal before Jake Goetting and an own goal created by Alex Hall cemented the victory.
The defending champions held Ohio State — one of the conference’s top offenses — to just four shots (zero on goal) for their third shutout of the year. Hear more from the Huskies.
Hoosiers, Badgers battle to top-15 draw
Facing its third straight top-10 opponent to open Big Ten play, No. 13 Wisconsin fought No. 2 Indiana to a 1-1 draw before a crowd of over 1,000 in Madison.
Following a scoreless first half, Nolan Kinsella broke the deadlock for Indiana in the 57th minute. But Wisconsin needed just 10 minutes to answer, with Isaac Brown-Samper scoring his first career goal off a corner kick.
In a matchup featuring the Big Ten’s top two defenses— Indiana had allowed just three goals this season and Wisconsin four — neither side could capitalize late. Stephane Njike nearly snatched a dramatic winner for Indiana as time expired, but Wisconsin's Judewellin Michel stood tall. Read more from the Hoosiers and Badgers.
Next up
Friday’s slate keeps the foot on the gas with six matchups on tap.
Ranked Clash in East Lansing
No. 13 Wisconsin heads to East Lansing to face No. 11 Michigan State in its fourth consecutive matchup against a top-15 team. The Badger defense faces a Spartan attack tied for second in the conference with 20 goals, though both squads share the Big Ten lead in goal differential (+13).
Two of the conference's top creators square off as Michigan State’s Andrew Darakdjian (10 points) and Wisconsin’s Markie Hrvojevic (nine points) enter among the league's offensive leaders. With the Spartans striving for a 3-0 Big Ten start and the Badgers hunting for their first Big Ten win, expect a high-intensity battle.
Ranked Rutgers Battles Washington in Seattle
On the heels of three straight wins over ranked foes, No. 22 Rutgers heads west to face defending national champion Washington. Rutgers is rolling behind reigning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week William Pierce and Defensive Player of the Week Braxton Montgomery. But the Huskies counter with elite firepower, led by scoring machine Zach Ramsey alongside star playmakers Alex Hall and Cameron Cruz (nine combined assists). With both sides hitting their stride, Seattle is set for a Big Ten thriller.
Elsewhere, Penn State and UCLA have shots at upsets against No. 2 Indiana and No. 4 Maryland, respectively. Check out the full schedule here.
Photo from gohuskies.com