SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - Samiah Shell scored in the 2nd minute to write the story of Washington's hard-fought victory, propelling the top-ranked Huskies to a 2-1 win over #5 Wisconsin before 1,133 fans at Husky Soccer Stadium, extending the Badgers' losing streak to two games.
The early goal gave Washington an advantage for what became an intense defensive battle, with Wisconsin struggling to find their rhythm against Washington's organized backline. Shell's goal, assisted by Jadyn Holdenried's incisive through ball and Alex Buck's perfectly weighted cross, gave the Huskies a crucial early advantage. The Badgers managed only one shot on target through the first 38 minutes, a damning statistic that encapsulates their offensive struggles against Washington's stingy defense.
Montoya scored in the 3rd minute when Maylen Montoya doubled Washington's lead, catching Wisconsin off guard and forcing them to regroup at halftime. The Huskies' second goal came as a result of their superior midfield control, with Emily Chen orchestrating the attack and threading a pass through Wisconsin's defense that Montoya finished cleanly. Wisconsin's inability to respond effectively to the two-goal deficit was evident in their shot attempts - they managed just two more shots in the first half, neither of which threatened Washington's goalkeeper.
The Badgers began the second half with a more assertive approach, outshooting Washington 7-4 across the final 45 minutes as they desperately sought a lifeline. Their efforts were rewarded in the 83rd minute when Adee Boer scored, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and injecting new life into Wisconsin's campaign. However, the Badgers' late surge ultimately fell short as Washington's defense held firm, absorbing the pressure and securing their second consecutive victory.
Washington dominated shots on target (4-2) and converted two of nine attempts, while Wisconsin managed one goal from 12 shots. Wisconsin won the corner battle 7-5 but failed to capitalize on set pieces.
The victory represents more than three points for Washington; it cements their position atop the conference standings with a 13-2-5 overall record and an 8-1-2 mark in league play. their two-match winning streak demonstrates growing momentum heading into their next conference showdown against Oregon State. For Wisconsin, the loss extends their losing streak and raises concerns about their ability to finish chances, a deficiency they must address before facing Northwestern next week.
Looking ahead, the paths diverge sharply for these two programs. Washington will look to build on their momentum against Oregon State, while Wisconsin will need to regroup and refocus their efforts against Northwestern. Washington controlled the match - and specifically to Samiah Shell, whose early strike led to Washington's hard-fought victory that will be remembered for its defensive intensity.
Key Players:
Samiah Shell (Washington) – The match-winner showed exceptional finishing instincts, capitalizing on a perfectly weighted cross from Alex Buck to give Washington an early lead.
Maylen Montoya (Washington) – Doubled Washington's advantage with a clinical finish, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.
Adee Boer (Wisconsin) – Scored a crucial consolation goal, providing some late hope for the Badgers as they pushed for an equalizer.
Emily Chen (Washington) – Controlled the midfield battle with intelligent positioning and distribution, constantly finding teammates in space and dictating Washington's possession-based approach.