Say 'cheese': soccer goes to Wisconsin

The Michigan soccer team has found itself in the best position in the team's history.

After a record season in 1997, which included a Big Ten tournament win and an NCAA tournament appearance, Michigan is at it again.

The Wolverines have a perfect 5-0 record after junior Jessica Limauro's overtime goal Tuesday led to a 2-1 victory over Eastern Michigan.

Michigan begins its Big Ten schedule tomorrow night against Wisconsin - whose record can be misleading.

The Badgers' 1-3 record doesn't tell the whole story. After all, they came within one goal of beating two teams - Texas A&M and Connecticut - in the top 10.

JOSH KLEINBAUM/Daily To beat Michgan tomorrow night, Wisconsin will have to stop Amber Berendowsky (above) and Jessica Limauro. The Badgers' goalie, Bridget Schwartig, has allowed just four goals this season.

"They've played high-ranked teams," Michigan coach Debbie Belkin said. "We're not taking anything for granted.

With a team full of freshmen, the Badgers lack experience. Underclassmen make up 63 percent of the roster and over half of the starting lineup. An average of six starting underclassmen can be a blessing for the more experienced Wolverines.

Yet in the past, Wisconsin has done much better in conference play, never finishing below fourth place.

Wisconsin has accumulated a .667 winning percentage, with an 18-8-4 record since 1994.

Wisconsin has fared even better in the Big Ten tournament, tallying a .700 winning mark.

The Badgers have lost only on the offensive side.

In three out of four games this season, they have given up just four goals. Junior goalkeeper Briget Schwarting has played solid, playing all 360 minutes.

To handle the Wolverines, the Badgers will have to score - and stop Michigan's high-powered offense. It includes a tandem - junior forward Amber Berendowsky and Limauro - that has been a large part of the Wolverines impressive start.

Berendowsky has seven points on the year and recently became the school's all-time scoring leader.

Limauro has a team-leading 13 points on the season.

Belkin has her own plan for Michigan.

"We need to tighten up on defense. We need to work on defending set plays, because Wisconsin is good on a lot of them."

Wisconsin leads the series with Michigan, 4-1-1. But the Wolverines blasted Wisconsin 6-0 last season.

Michigan comes to Madison ranked 10th in the nation and looking for a second straight Big Ten tournament championship.

But it will likely be tougher this year. According to Belkin, most Big Ten teams have improved greatly since last year.

"It's looking up from last season," Belkin said. "There are five or seven undefeated teams already."

Belkin believes that the Wolverines have a great chance to finish first, but it all depends on the first few matches.

"We're as good as anybody," Belkin said. "it's just who comes to play that day, and we hope we can get things going in the next week."

09-17-98