The second-ranked Spartans women’s soccer team hosted the Minnesota Golden Gophers for a Big Ten clash on Thursday night in a dominating win.
The women’s soccer team at Michigan State has been dominant all season long, and tonight was no exception. They were hosting the Minnesota Golden Gophers coming off of a three-game win streak with wins over Nebraska, reigning Big Ten champ Washington, and Illinois. The Spartans returned home after their road trip to Illinois, looking to continue their dominance in Big Ten play. They were able to do just that in a thoroughly controlling victory over the Golden Gophers at DeMartin Stadium, 4-0.
Michigan State kept the ball in Minnesota’s territory throughout most of the night as they handled the attack extremely well. The first goal came in less than seven minutes for the Spartans when Emerson Sargeant headed in the ball for the first strike. Goals came early and often for the Spartans after that one, as they kept on the offensive for the entire game. Minnesota never really threatened MSU’s side of the field often at all. Noelle Henning recorded four saves, but none of those shots ever felt in jeopardy of going in.
Kennedy Bell was a standout for the Spartans tonight, as she has been all season, scoring two goals for MSU. Her first goal came off of a saved shot attempt by Sarah Martin that deflected right to Bell, who was in the right place at the right time for the Spartans goal. She also landed the first goal of the second half when she broke free through the defense for an easy score. Bell assisted Ella Janz on the fourth and final goal of the game. The Spartans had 14 more shots than the Gophers, with MSU having 20 to Minnesota’s six. Talk about controlling the game! Michigan State showcased their pure offensive output in a whole-team victory over the Gophers.
Michigan State added to their win streak by notching their fourth victory in a row over Big Ten opponents. Getting this one at home is big before they make a road trip to the state of Indiana next week to take on Purdue on Sunday, October 11, and Indiana on Friday, October 16. The Spartans are one of the best teams in women’s soccer, and they continued to prove it tonight against Minnesota.
