Michigan State University
3-2-27-3-4 < B1G>
Minnesota
6-2-011-3-2 < B1G>
Spartan Women's Soccer Upsets No. 11 Minnesota, 1-0
10/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -
Emotions were running high in Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium as the horn sounded to signify the clock expiring as the Michigan State women's soccer team upset Big Ten leader No. 11 Minnesota (11-3-2, 6-2-0), 1-0, for its first home loss of the season.
With the win, the Spartans improve to 7-3-4 overall and 3-2-2 in Big Ten action.
Coming into the match, the Golden Gophers had shutout seven competitors, riding a two-game winning streak. The Spartans regain the advantage in the all-time series, leading 12-11-2.
The first two minutes were somewhat scary for MSU, as senior goalkeeper Gabrielle Gauruder made two saves in first two minutes.
Gauruder finished out the night with six saves for her fifth shutout of the year.
Sophomore Jamie Cheslik took matters into her own hands. The forward ran with a long pass from junior defender Marisa Oleksiak to sink the ball in the lower left corner of the Minnesota net with picture-perfect placement. Oleksiak was credited with the assist. Cheslik's goal inspired the rest of the Spartan offense as MSU held a 6-2 shot advantage over the Golden Gophers during the first half.
Desperate to score an equalizer, the Gophers intensified their pressure on the Spartan defense, piling 12 shots in the second half. Gauruder came up with several critical saves to give her team the victory.
"I'm really proud of the defense this season," Gauruder said. "The defense and I have a special bond that I am so thankful for. It's because of this bond that we were able to get another shutout today."
Michigan State head coach Tom Saxton said that his team put together what he believes to be the best first half all season.
"I thought the first half might've been the best of the season," Saxton said. "We played a complete game with good defense against a dangerous offense, and I thought we did well offensively as well. Tonight's game is another example of the race that's going on in the Big Ten and the quality of the teams in our league."
Saxton said he has nothing but respect for Minnesota head coach Stefanie Golan.
Also notable for the Spartans was the peak performance of sophomore Morgan McKerchie who led the team in shot attempts with three and two shots on goal. Senior Allyson Krause and Cheslik each added two shots apiece.
"I'm so happy for Jamie to get rewarded [for her offensive effort]," Saxton said. "We had three or four one-on-ones with the Minnesota keeper, and Allyson Krause was very close to scoring as well."
The win avenged MSU's rough 1-0 overtime loss last year against Minnesota. The Gophers are the only Big Ten team to defeat No. 9 Penn State, last year's Big Ten regular season champion.
MSU will face Wisconsin on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. in Madison.
"This game just builds our confidence as we continue to move forward," Saxton said. "We just need to get recovered and go back to work."
Team Stats
Cheslik, Jamie (2)
Assisted By: Oleksiak, Marisa
Received ball inside the 18 to slot past
9:21
