Sunday, September 26
East Lansing, Mich.
12 PM
Michigan State University
7-1-2, 2-1-0
2
vs
1
Minnesota
5-2-3, 1-2-0
1
2
F
Minnesota
0
1
1
Michigan St.
1
1
2
Spartans Top Minnesota, 2-1
9/26/2021 3:03:00 PM | Women's Soccer
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The women's soccer team came back in a big way today, defeating Minnnesota 2-1 in a battle at DeMartin Stadium. Tied up 1-1 with six minutes left in regulation, the Spartans pulled off a last-minute win in a dramatic fashion, snapping a five-game winless streak against the Golden Gophers dating back to 2016.
Michigan State drew first after the first half went nearly scoreless. MJ Andrus was fouled on the run on the right side of the Minnesota box to give the Spartans a penalty kick. Zivana Labovic was given the opportunity, and capitalized with a successful strike to the high center of the net. Michigan State took a 1-0 lead into halftime, holding a 9-7 advantage in shot attempts with two shots on goal. Lauren Kozal tallied three saves.
It seemed that the game would end 1-0 in MSU's favor. The Spartan defense played hard and fast, winning back several balls at midfield from the Golden Gophers. With ten minutes left to play, Minnesota earned a corner kick. Patricia Ward sent the ball to the left corner of the box for McKenna Buisman to juggle forward and pass to Izzy Brown, sending the ball just pass Kozal for the equalizer.
Both teams played high-octane in the final minutes, looking to avoid overtime with a final scoring opportunity. The Spartans did just that. Raegan Cox brought the ball up the right sideline, sending a cross toward the box. Minnesota's goalkeeper Megan Plaschko, anticipating an attempt on goal, came out of the box to make the save but was caught in a scuffle with defending Spartans. With the net wide open, MJ Andrus sent a blast into the center of the net from inside the six. Her first goal of her career ended up being the game-winner for the Green & White.
The home team held a strong advantage in both offense and defense in the contest. Michigan State outshot Minnesota 17-13 while taking five shots on goal and earning 11 corner kicks, just two shy of a season high. In goal, Kozal totaled four saves while allowing one goal. Labovic's goal was her fourth of the season, placing her solidly at the top of the scoring category for the Spartans.
The Spartans move to 7-1-2 on the season and 2-1 in Big Ten play. They head out on the road for two games this week, starting with a visit to Nebraska on Sept. 30.
Michigan State drew first after the first half went nearly scoreless. MJ Andrus was fouled on the run on the right side of the Minnesota box to give the Spartans a penalty kick. Zivana Labovic was given the opportunity, and capitalized with a successful strike to the high center of the net. Michigan State took a 1-0 lead into halftime, holding a 9-7 advantage in shot attempts with two shots on goal. Lauren Kozal tallied three saves.
It seemed that the game would end 1-0 in MSU's favor. The Spartan defense played hard and fast, winning back several balls at midfield from the Golden Gophers. With ten minutes left to play, Minnesota earned a corner kick. Patricia Ward sent the ball to the left corner of the box for McKenna Buisman to juggle forward and pass to Izzy Brown, sending the ball just pass Kozal for the equalizer.
Both teams played high-octane in the final minutes, looking to avoid overtime with a final scoring opportunity. The Spartans did just that. Raegan Cox brought the ball up the right sideline, sending a cross toward the box. Minnesota's goalkeeper Megan Plaschko, anticipating an attempt on goal, came out of the box to make the save but was caught in a scuffle with defending Spartans. With the net wide open, MJ Andrus sent a blast into the center of the net from inside the six. Her first goal of her career ended up being the game-winner for the Green & White.
The home team held a strong advantage in both offense and defense in the contest. Michigan State outshot Minnesota 17-13 while taking five shots on goal and earning 11 corner kicks, just two shy of a season high. In goal, Kozal totaled four saves while allowing one goal. Labovic's goal was her fourth of the season, placing her solidly at the top of the scoring category for the Spartans.
The Spartans move to 7-1-2 on the season and 2-1 in Big Ten play. They head out on the road for two games this week, starting with a visit to Nebraska on Sept. 30.
Team Stats
MIN
MSU
Goals
1
2
Shots
13
17
Shots on Goal
5
5
Saves
3
4
Corners
3
11
Fouls
4
14
Scoring Plays
Zivana Labovic (3)
MSU Zivana Labovic PENALTY KICK GOAL.
37:59
Izzy Brown (5)
Assisted By: Patricia Ward , McKenna Buisman
Off CK lower rt corner
79:49
Emily Andrus (1)
Assisted By: Raegan Cox
Blast to center from inside 6
83:46
Game Leaders
Players
Shots
3
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
def
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Players Mentioned
D/M
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's SoccerD
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