Michigan
2-10-1, 1-5-0
Michigan State
9-0-4, 4-0-2
Heartbreaker for Wolverines in Loss Against No. 5 MSU
10/5/2024 9:24:00 PM | Women's Soccer
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The University of Michigan women's soccer team held its own against No. 5 Michigan State, but a penalty kick in the 76th minute gave the Spartans a 1-0 victory Saturday night (Oct. 5) at DeMartin Stadium.
The game was a defensive battle, with both teams combining for 20 shots and 11 on goal. Michigan goalkeeper Stephanie Sparkowski made five saves, allowing the only goal on a penalty kick.
Michigan put two shots on goal in the first half, compared to three for the Spartans. Sparkowski made a crucial save in the 16th minute, coming off her line to thwart a Spartan attack and keep the game scoreless.
A pass from Kali Burrell across the goal in the 20th minute pressured the Spartan defense, resulting in Michigan's only corner kick of the half.
The teams entered halftime tied 0-0, with few legitimate scoring chances in the first 45 minutes.
The Wolverines controlled the first half, but the Spartans dominated possession early in the second half, though Michigan's defense held firm.
Michigan's best chance in the second half came in the 58th minute when Burrell's shot was blocked by a Spartan defender, keeping the game scoreless.
Michigan repelled back-to-back corner kicks from Michigan State with about 25 minutes remaining, as the Spartans continued to apply pressure. Moments later, Avery Kalitta blocked a Spartan shot to keep the game level.
The Spartans broke through in the 76th minute, converting a penalty kick for a 1-0 lead.
Michigan continued to search for the equalizer. With just over six minutes remaining, Aniyah League ripped a shot from outside the box that missed wide by inches. The Wolverines could not level the score, ultimately falling 1-0 to No. 5 Michigan State.
Michigan travels to Washington on Thursday (Oct. 10) for a 7 p.m. PT kickoff.
Team Stats
Justina Gaynor (3)
MSU Justina Gaynor PENALTY KICK GOAL.
75:16
