DeKALB – NIU’s (3-3-3) battle against the University of Wisconsin-Madison Badgers (3-4-1) ended in a 0-0 draw on Wednesday night.

Neither the Huskies nor the Badgers could create goals for themselves the entire game.

“We knew that Wisconsin is well-organized and dangerous on set pieces,” head coach Ryan Swan said. “I was happy that we kept the shutout, that was important, and we had a couple of decent looks at goal.”

The Badgers had five shots compared to the Huskies’ two shots in the first half.

NIU’s redshirt senior forward Enrique Banuelos tried to put a goal on the board after a shot was taken, but it was saved by junior goalkeeper Carter Abbott on the bottom left corner.

The Huskies and Badgers still couldn’t work around each other’s defense in the second half.

Wisconsin tried numerous times to score a point, taking eight shots in the second half. Badgers’ junior midfielder Tim Bielic took a shot at the 82nd minute mark looking to take a lead, but it was saved by Huskie redshirt senior goalkeeper Martin Sanchez.

NIU sought for a goal late in the 89 minute mark after a kick from junior defender Parker Jeppson, but he couldn’t capitalize after Badgers Abbott saved it.

The game ended in a scoreless draw 0-0.

Coach Swan was displeased with his team ending the game scoreless.

“A little disappointed that we were held scoreless, but after the Western Michigan game, it was important for us to put in a good defensive display, and we did that,” Swan said.

The Huskies continue their road trip as they are in action at 6 p.m. on Sunday against the Akron Zips. The game will be available on ESPN +.