ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN — Michigan extended its winning streak to five games with a 2-1 victory over Wisconsin on Friday night, with Dylan Davis delivering the decisive strike in the 81st minute. The Wolverines dominated possession throughout the contest at Michigan Stadium, outshooting the visiting Badgers 12-5 while maintaining control of the midfield. The win keeps Michigan's NCAA Tournament resume intact as the program continues its climb toward the postseason.
Mitar Mitrovic opened the scoring for Michigan in the 4th minute, giving the home side an early advantage. Wisconsin responded with Markie Hrvojevic equalizing in the 43rd minute off an assist from Aidan Martinez, drawing level just before halftime. The goal came after a VAR review confirmed the strike was legitimate, keeping the Badgers in contention heading into the break.
Michigan controlled the first half's flow of play, with Mitrovic testing Wisconsin's defense on multiple occasions. Nicholas Cassiday fired two shots that went wide, while Joao Paulo Ramos saw an attempt blocked. Wisconsin remained compact defensively but offered little in the attacking third, relying on counterattacking opportunities that rarely materialized. The Badgers' best chance came through Hrvojevic's finish, which proved enough to keep them level through 45 minutes.
The second half saw Michigan intensify its pressure, though Wisconsin briefly threatened on the counterattack. Nolan Miller received a yellow card for dissent in the 48th minute as tensions escalated on the sideline. Wisconsin's Cristobal Porter was substituted out in the 60th minute, and the Badgers found themselves increasingly pinned back as Michigan's attack grew more dangerous. Grayson Elmquist and Mitar Mitrovic both had blocked shots as the Wolverines searched for the go-ahead goal.
Davis broke through in the 81st minute, capitalizing on a Michigan opportunity to restore the home side's lead. The goal proved decisive, as Wisconsin couldn't find an equalizer despite late pressure. Ola Arntsen fired a shot wide in the 86th minute, and the Badgers mounted one final corner kick attack, but Michigan's defense held firm. The final minutes grew testy, with Duilio Herrera receiving a yellow card for unsporting conduct as Wisconsin's frustration mounted.
Michigan's goalkeeper made three crucial saves, while Wisconsin's keeper stopped five shots in a losing effort. The Wolverines' 7-4 advantage in shots on goal reflected their dominance, though Wisconsin created enough chances to suggest a closer match than the final scoreline indicated. Corner kicks were split 3-2 in Michigan's favor, with both teams receiving two yellow cards apiece.
Davis and Mitrovic led Michigan's attacking efforts, with the former providing the match-winner and the latter creating consistent problems throughout. For Wisconsin, Hrvojevic's goal kept the Badgers competitive despite their defensive struggles. Aidan Martinez's assist on the equalizer represented one of the few bright spots in an otherwise difficult night for the visitors.
The victory improves Michigan to 11-2-3 overall, maintaining the program's strong position in the national landscape. Wisconsin falls to 6-8 with the loss, dropping to 3-6 in conference play. The Badgers have now lost consecutive matches after their upset victory over Penn State last week.
Michigan travels to Penn State on November 7th for a crucial conference matchup, while Wisconsin hosts Northwestern on November 4th looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats.