Michigan State University
1-0-0, 0-0-0
Cincinnati
0-1-0, 0-0-0
Mueller's Goal Lifts Spartans Over Bearcats in Season Opener
8/17/2023 11:07:00 PM | Women's Soccer
EAST LANSING, Mich. - No. 17 Michigan State used an early goal from Gabby Mueller in the 20th minute to secure a 1-0 win over Cincinnati in the Spartans' 2023 season opener Thursday night at DeMartin Stadium.
With the win, the Spartans moved to 1-0-0 (0-0-0) on the season and 26-8-5 in season-opening games while extending their season-opening win streak to 12 games. Cincinnati drops to 0-0-1 (0-0-0 Big 12). The win marked MSU's first win over the Bearcats since Sept. 7, 2006.
"It's great to have our group back out on the field in a meaningful match after two exhibitions," said head coach Jeff Hosler. "It's just a different feel when you get out there and play for the first time where the results stand."
MSU held a 19-2 shot advantage, including a 6-1 advantage in shots on goal, and also held an 11-1 advantage in corner kicks. In goal, graduate goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks notched one save and recorded her first shutout in the Green & White.
The Spartans dominated possession through the first 15 minutes, recording a pair of shots on goal from Mueller and senior midfielder Kelly Severini to put the pressure on the Bearcats early. Minutes later, Mueller scored from long distance, sending in a pass from Mackenzie Anthony into the lower left corner of the net to give the Spartans the early lead. With the goal, both Mueller and Anthony earned their first points in Spartan uniforms after spending three seasons as teammates at Baylor.
MSU went on to log five shots in the remaining minutes of the first half, including shots from Anthony and Mueller as well a pair of shots from sophomore midfielder Emerson Sargeant. Parks' lone save came in the 30th minute as the Bearcats' Alexis Campell failed to secure the equalizer.
The Spartans continued to dominate the Bearcats in possession in the opening minutes of the second half, with sophomore forward Maggie Illig notching a pair of shots in the 55th and 62nd minutes. MSU used several corner kick opportunities in the final 20 minutes but was unable to increase its lead. Cincinnati's Brooke Brown attempted a last-second equalizer in the closing seconds of the match, but her shot went wide, securing the win for the Spartans.
Overall, nine different Spartans logged a shot Thursday night. Parks earned the win with a full 90 minutes in goal, while Cincinnati's Anna Rexford was credited with the loss.
In addition to Parks, Mueller and Anthony, five more Spartans made their MSU debuts on Thursday - Sofia Beerworth, Sophia Piotrowski, Mimi Hallier, Bella Najera and Renee Watson.
With the win, MSU evened the all-time series record with Cincinnati, moving to 8-8-1 against the Bearcats.
"I think we learned early that Gabby (Mueller) is going to be a difference maker for at the ten. With her experience at Baylor, she's on the ball a lot creating a lot of things, and she and Mackenzie (Anthony) have a special connection and combine well," concluded Hosler. "I thought that in the first 20-25 minutes up until the first goal we were really good in combination play. In a game like this, you just have to find ways to put the ball in."
Up next, Michigan State hosts Bowling Green for a 1 p.m. kickoff at DeMartin Stadium on Sunday, August 20. The match will serve as the Spartans' Senior Day. Streaming is available on B1G+.
Team Stats
Gabby Mueller (1)
Assisted By: Mackenzie Anthony
Scored from long distance to lower lft corner
19:56
