Men’s soccer hasn’t struggled to get shots off this season. Finishing has been a different story.
Marquette outshot the Badgers 15 to seven in the game and 10 to three in the first half, but it only took one shot to make the difference. Wisconsin’s first shot on goal found the back of the net, as Mike Catalano scored far post off a counter attack in the 22nd minute. Wisconsin defeated Marquette 1-0, handing the Golden Eagles their fourth loss of the season.
“We were in good position and they kind of broke us down,” Marquette goalie Mac Wheeler said. “They come down, and we were still in good position. … Credit to the guy. He had a good shot inside the post.”
Marquette’s offense has struggled as of late, scoring one goal in the last four games.
“You can’t be worried,” head coach Louis Bennett said. “Soccer’s a game where you have to work through these sort of things. You have to create better opportunities. … I think the buildup play was good enough for us to score a goal, but we didn’t manage to.”
Bennett made a handful of moves to the starting lineup. It began with Wheeler, who made his first start since Wicho Barraza took over the reins at the start of BIG EAST play.
Bennett also made changes in the defense and forward groups, moving John Pothast to center back and entering Jack Alberts into the starting lineup on the outside. Nick Parianos started at the striker position. He had three shots and played 58 minutes, the longest he has since returning from injury.
“I’ve been working for almost two years,” Parianos said. “It means a lot to get the start. … All the hard work is paying off.”
Marquette will reenter BIG EAST competition Saturday when they host Georgetown.
