Madison, WI -- The Bradley Braves drop their fist game of the season, against the Wisconsin Badgers
The Bradley Braves drop to 0-1-1 on the season following a 4-1 loss on the road to the Wisconsin Badgers. The match got off to a fast start, with the Badgers deploying a high press throughout much of the first half and the match as a whole. Their pressure generated a handful second-chance opportunities in the midfield, which quickly led to numbers forward in the final third. In the 13th minute, Wisconsin's Bart Muns scored the opener, putting the Badgers up 1-0.
As the first half progressed, the Braves weathered the storm by absorbing pressure and looking to counterattack when possible. The Badgers created one more quality chance before the break, with Ola Arnsten slotting one into the bottom left corner from outside the 18-yard box. At the end of the first half, the Badgers led 2-0 on the back of seven shots. The Braves generated two shots in the first 45 minutes, with Wisconsin earning the only two corner kicks of the half.
Once the second half kicked off, the Braves settled in much quicker. They were able to hold more possession and reached the final third more often, forcing the Wisconsin defense to intervene. Neither team would score again until the 73rd minute, when the Badgers earned their third goal from a penalty kick by Matthew Zachemski following a video review. Shortly afterward, Bradley scored their first goal of the season after a bouncing ball in the box struck a Badger's arm, awarding the Braves a penalty opportunity.
Kevin Mejias converted from the penalty spot, giving BU their first goal of the season and cutting the deficit to two goals with five minutes to play. As the Braves pushed forward in search of a second goal, Wisconsin capitalized on a favorable pass laid off along the back line. The play resulted in a breakaway chance for Bart Muns, who scored his second of the match, sealing the 4-1 result at full time.
Despite the loss, the Braves managed to earn a result in one of their two road contests against teams from the Big East and Big Ten. Bradley now heads back to Peoria as they prepare for their home opener on Thursday, August 28, at 5:00 p.m., when they welcome the Milwaukee Panthers. Tickets are available here.
