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 It took a fortunate bounce and a scrappy defensive effort, but the University of Wisconsin men's soccer team gave coach John Trask a victory in his debut.
A cross by freshman Chris Prince deflected off Santa Clara defender Mykell Bates and into the net for an own goal in the 83rd minute as the Badgers got past the Broncos 2-1 on Saturday at the UC Irvine Classic in Irvine, Calif.
The decisive own goal came just 51 seconds after Santa Clara (0-1) had equalized through Alex Fitschen.
"Tonight was a good performance by the guys," Trask said in a news release. "Obviously one game doesn't make a season, but I’m very proud. It was great to see the way the team responded when Santa Clara tied it up."
Senior defender Aaron Nichols gave UW the early lead, finishing a cross from freshman Trevor Wheeler with a header past Broncos goalkeeper Kevin Klasila in the 26th minute.
Wheeler was one of five newcomers in the starting 11 for the Badgers, joining fellow freshmen Prince, Paul Yonga and Blake Succa and junior college transfer Arnel Zahirovic. Two more players, redshirt freshman Derek Pitts (Middleton) and freshman Nick Janus, also made their collegiate debuts off the bench.
The Badgers absorbed a lot of pressure – the Broncos had a 10-3 advantage in shots, including 8-0 in the second half – but the UW defense anchored by senior goalkeeper Ryan Vint (four saves) got the job done.
"The older guys and the younger guys really came together tonight, and we had a nice performance from Ryan Vint in goal," said Trask, who left Illinois-Chicago to take over the Badgers after Todd Yeagley departed UW after one season to take the reins at Indiana. "It was a good night for Wisconsin soccer."
Eight players logged the full 90 minutes for the Badgers, who face tournament host UC Irvine on Monday.
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