Women's Soccer Hosts Wisconsin for Conference Home Opener

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State women's soccer hosts two games at DeMartin Stadium this week, beginning with their conference home opener on Thursday, Sept. 23 against Wisconsin. The Spartans play under the lights at 7 p.m.

The Spartans are 6-0-2 on the season and the last remaining undefeated team in the league heading into Thursday's match. Highlighted by strong defense, they are tied for fifth in the NCAA in goals allowed, letting just three score from opponents over eight contests.

B1G START
Michigan State won in shutout fashion, 1-0, in the team's conference-opening match at Indiana on Sept. 19. The last time the Spartans won their first conference match of the season was in 2015.

Thanks to a game-winning goal from Camryn Evans in the first half, MSU was able to secure a victory on the road against a tough Indiana team. Previously the Hoosiers had won four straight games and racked up 15 goals. But faced with a well-organized Spartan defense, Indiana was kept scoreless and allowed just five shot attempts made on goal.

Lauren Kozal recorded her fifth shutout of the season in goal for the Green & White, making five saves.

NATIONAL AND LEAGUE RECOGNITION
Two Spartans made headlines this week for their performances so far this season.

Raegan Cox was named to the TopDrawerSoccer National Team of the week on Tuesday. She played a full 90 minutes on Sunday as part of the Spartan defensive force, anchoring the back line against Indiana's frequent attack. Cox has logged 554 minutes of action so far this season and has appeared in the starting lineup of all eight games.

Also on Tuesday, Lauren Kozal was named the Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week. Kozal helped secure a conference-opening win for the Spartans and her fifth shutout of the season at Indiana. Her save percentage of .903 is the second-highest in the league and she has totaled 27 saves so far this season. Second in the conference in shutouts, she has recorded five on the season for a shutout percentage of .625, and has the third-lowest goals against average at .355.

QUOTING COACH HOSLER
"Wisconsin is athletic and transitions very well. We will have to move the ball effectively to make them work and recover in an organized manner."

"Our group continues to be focused on the day at hand and gets better week to week. We are looking forward to the challenge."

SCOUTING THE BADGERS
The Badgers are 6-1-2 so far, having lost just one non-conference match and winning their Big Ten opener on Sunday against previously unbeaten Minnesota. They are coached by Paula Wilkins in her 15th season.

Wisconsin has scored 12 goals so far this season to Michigan State's 16, and allowed ten goals to score from opponents. They hold a shots on goal percentage of .393, with 48 of their 122 total shots hitting on target. The Spartans are .430 with 151 shot attempts, 64 made on goal.

The Badgers hold a 30-4-2 advantage in their history with the Spartans. The two teams last met in 2018 with Wisconsin coming away with a 2-1 win. Michigan State will look to snap an 11-game losing streak with their opponent dating back to 2007.

NEXT UP
Michigan State will play the opening match in a doubleheader with the men's soccer team on Sunday, Sept. 26. They take on Minnesota at 12 p.m. on Alumni Day, with a celebration of alumni in attendance taking place at halftime.

Women's Soccer Hosts Wisconsin for Conference Home Opener

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Players Mentioned

Raegan Cox

Camryn Evans

Lauren Kozal