Michigan State University defeated the Milwaukee Panthers women’s soccer team on Sunday at DeMartin Stadium in East Lansing. The Spartans, who are ranked No. 20 in the latest United Soccer Coaches National Poll, took control early by scoring in the fourth minute and maintained their lead throughout the match. At halftime, Michigan State led 2-0 and increased their advantage in the second half.
“Michigan State is a Top-15 program for a reason – they are very good and were significantly better than us today,” said Milwaukee head coach Kevin Boyd. “As far as we went, we were … dysfunctional is the only word I have. And it wasn’t an effort thing – we were trying, but there wasn’t an ounce of quality in terms of what we were doing and the positions we were putting ourselves in.”
The first goal came just over three minutes into play from a header off a corner kick by Michigan State. In the 15th minute, Milwaukee goalkeeper Bella Hollenbach stopped a breakaway to keep the score at 1-0. Despite some offensive opportunities for Milwaukee later in the half, they could not convert any shots on target. Michigan State added another goal in the 31st minute.
Kiersten White nearly scored for Milwaukee late in the first half, but her shot went high.
In the second half, Michigan State continued to dominate, scoring less than two minutes after play resumed and adding more goals as the game progressed.
“The second half absolutely got away from us,” Boyd said. “I think four of the goals were really off of us and I don’t think I have ever seen that happen. Two balls we literally cleared it off ourselves and into our own goal. It wasn’t pretty and did not look normal. These are games we have to learn from and get better for the next game.”
Michigan State finished with a significant edge in shots (24-4) and corners (8-2). Hollenbach recorded five saves for Milwaukee. Natalie Zodrow, Zoey Pagels, and Lola Wojcik also had shots during the match.
The Panthers will host Northwestern on Thursday before traveling to face defending NCAA Champion North Carolina on Sunday.
