Oct. 15, 2008

Box Score

Box Score vs. Wisconsin (PDF)

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MILWAUKEE -- Scott Lorenz's unassisted goal in the 15th minute proved to be the eventual game-winner as Wisconsin (6-5-2) secured bragging rights over in-state rival Marquette (2-6-4) by taking a 1-0 decision Wednesday over the Golden Eagles at Valley Fields. MU had its chances, but managed to put only two of eight shots on goal.

"I thought we had a majority of the play, both halves," said Marquette head coach Louis Bennett. "It was a mixed crowd here tonight, but I didn't hear a lot of Badger noise, because there wasn't anything for them to shout about. It was a wonderful goal, but I don't think they had any real clear cut opportunities, except for that one. Both teams tried to play soccer, and I was very happy the way we contained their better players."

Wisconsin's score was the first of two shots on goal for the Badgers, and resulted in the team-leading seventh goal of the season for Lorenz. A long serve from Pablo Delgado was misplayed by a group of Marquette defenders. Lorenz scooped up the turnover, took a few steps inside the box and fired it on target -- near post -- from approximately 16 yards out.

"We took a little too long clearing the ball, and it was almost a comedy of errors," Bennett said. "The ball ricocheted between the two [defenders], and before [goalkeeper Matt Pyzdrowski] was even able to get set, [Lorenz] put it on goal. Saying that, that's probably the difference between the two teams."

Although MU, which has struggled finishing in front of net this season, didn't create as many chances as they would have liked during the pace of play, the Golden Eagles certainly had more than their fair share of set pieces.

Marquette was unable to capitalize on a season-high 10 corner kicks, in addition to numerous free kicks in the attacking half of the field. Conversely, Marquette didn't allow a corner for the first time this season and out-shot the Badgers by a final tally of 8-5.

"We keep knocking on the door, but can't quite finish," Bennett said. "It's just a lack of focus and confidence. When we get that right, we're going to be a very good team. I've been pretty pleased with how we've been playing. I don't think there's been anybody who has played us out of the park, but there's been long stretches of games where we haven't threatened."

Wisconsin is now unbeaten in its last seven chances against the Golden Eagles. The two teams played to a 1-1 draw last season in Madison. Wednesday's meeting was the 48th match all-time between the schools.

Marquette returns to BIG EAST play this Saturday as the Golden Eagles host nationally ranked Connecticut. Kick off against the Huskies, ranked No. 20 in the latest NSCAA/adidas poll, is set for 7:05 p.m. at Valley Fields. Saturday's match will be televised taped delay on Time Warner Cable Sports 32. Live streaming audio will also be available courtesy of Marquette Radio (WMUR).