Women's Soccer defeats Minnesota, 2-0

Sept. 26, 2008

Box Score
Coach Saxton Interview

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State women's soccer team opened Big Ten play with a 2-0 win over Minnesota on Friday at DeMartin Stadium. A pair of second-half goals helped the Spartans (9-1, 1-0 Big Ten) pull away, handing the Golden Gophers (10-1, 0-1 Big Ten) their first loss of the season.

MSU head coach Tom Saxton was happy to get the team's first Big Ten win under its belt, and stressed the importance of winning conference games.

"The pressure just mounts as you go through the Big Ten season, I mean they're really almost all playoff games," said Saxton. "To get a start like this gives the team confidence, and maybe we'll be able to play a little looser and more composed as we move forward. But it's a huge win for us."

Despite not getting a shot off in the first half, the Spartans were the first to strike early in the second. Freshman Laura Heyboer dribbled into the box on the left side, drawing Minnesota goalie Lindsey Dare towards her. Heyboer then passed to a wide open Lauren Hill on the right side, who knocked it in for the score.

Heyboer continued to impact the Spartan offense, scoring her 10th goal of the season later in the half. Junior Katie Rehor sent a pass to Heyboer inside the box, leading her towards a charging Dare. Dare, diving towards Heyboer, got her hands on the ball, but it squirted out, allowing Heyboer to back up and send the ball to the back of the net.

The shutout marks junior goalie Lindsey Wrege's sixth of the season. Wrege also had four saves in the game.

The Spartans return to action this Sunday, Sept. 28, against Iowa at DeMartin Stadium at Old College Field.