Men’s soccer falls to 2-3-1 after winless week

After beginning the season 2-1, Northwestern men’s soccer falls to 2-3-1 after losses against Ohio State and Michigan State and a draw with Wisconsin in what continues to be a competitive Big Ten season.

Sophomore Ugo Achara Jr. continues to be a dominant force, scoring goals in all but two of their six matches thus far.

On March 7, the ‘Cats faced off against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, their first outdoor match of the season. While a goal by Achara allowed them to get off to a 1-0 start, they ultimately fell 2-4 to the Buckeyes. Sophomore Vicente Castro added a goal at the 89th minute.

Four days later on March 11, they headed to East Lansing for a matchup against the Michigan State Spartans, where they were shutout for the first time this season, ultimately falling 0-2 on the road.

On Monday, Northwestern hosted the Wisconsin Badgers, whom they beat earlier this season 5-2, to Ryan Fieldhouse. Achara posted the lone goal for the Wildcats with a fantastic bicycle move off of a corner kick, his sixth of the season.

The Badgers tied the game at the 67th minute, and it remained 1-1 through 110 minutes of play, resulting in a draw after double overtime.

With four games remaining in the abbreviated, conference-only season, Northwestern looks to get back on track with a matchup against Penn State on Friday, which is currently slated to be played outdoors at home at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium. The ‘Cats will then travel to Bloomington for another matchup against Indiana and back home for the final matches of the regular season.