Big Ten Women's Soccer Tournament Preview

As the leaves turn into their autumn colors and women's soccer ends their regular season, it is time for the Big Ten Women's Soccer Tournament. But more specifically, Oct. 29’s quarterfinals.

Quarterfinals

Iowa vs Michigan State

One of the first games of this tournament is a rematch of Iowa and Michigan State at 1 p.m.

Iowa is currently ranked the No. 8 seed and is 9-4-4 for the regular season. Overall, Hawkeye's defense is effective in keeping the ball away from the goal. On average, the defense has only let 13 goals into the net over the whole season.

However, Iowa's offense is a different story. Throughout the season, the offense scored only 28 goals from the 240 attempts of getting it into the net. For these Hawkeyes to win this tournament, they must strengthen their offense.

Michigan State is currently ranked the No.1 seed and is 12-3-3 for the regular season. Overall, the Spartans have dominated the 2023-2024 season offensively and defensively.

Michigan State's offense this season scored 44 goals, led by Justina Gaynor with 19 goals.

The Spartans will succeed through this round and go to the semi-finals with this offense.

Indiana vs Penn State

Also, at 1 p.m., the 12-2-4 Indiana will face off against the 12-1-4 Penn State.

On Oct. 19, these two teams competed against each other at Jeffrey Field. This game was a Penn State win, 2-0.

During this matchup, the No. 4-seeded Penn State's aggressive offense cut through the Hoosier's defense in this game. Even though the No. 5-seeded Hoosiers almost equaled the Nittany Lion's shots, Indiana could not get the ball in the goal.

With the solid offensive strategy the Nittany Lions exert, Penn State will advance to the semi-finals.

Rutgers vs Wisconsin

At 3:30 p.m., the last game of the quarterfinals, Rutgers and Wisconsin will face off against each other for the first time during the 2023-24 season.

Rutgers is currently ranked the No. 6 seed and is 9-6-3 for the regular season. Overall, the Scarlet Knights have had an excellent defensive stride in all their games, with 62 saves and 15 goals let into the net all season.

However, Rutgers' offense is lacking in aggressiveness. For this tournament, this team needs to score more than just one goal for a victory.

Wisconsin is currently ranked the No. 3 seed and is 12-3-3 for the regular season. Wisconsin's defense is strong, with 53 saves and a 0.079 shot percentage on the opponent's side. Also, on the offensive side of the game, the Badgers shot 188 times and scored 25 goals during the 2023-24 season.

With the Badger's dynamic defense and offense, Wisconsin will succeed and advance to the semi-finals.

Ohio State vs Nebraska

This 2 p.m. showdown of No.7-seeded Ohio State and No. 2-seeded Nebraska will be intriguing. Previously, on Sept. 21, Nebraska took a 2-1 victory over the Buckeyes, but will the Huskers prevail again?

Since Sept. 21, Ohio has overcome one critical team, Wisconsin. This matchup favored Wisconsin, and the Buckeyes snatched a 1-0 victory and ended their season with 9-6-2. Their newfound victories show they have the tools to advance far in this tournament.

The 13-2-3 Nebraska ended their season on a six-game winning streak. This streak started a game after the Ohio State matchup. These Huskers are dominating soccer, but will they keep their streak up?

Want to watch these matchups on Oct. 29? Each matchup takes place at each higher-seeded school's fields. It will be on the B1G+ as well.

Cora Rodriguez is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email cir5381@psu.edu.