Lansing Sun

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Justina Gaynor's 84th-minute goal lifted No. 5 Michigan State women's soccer to a 1-0 victory over Loyola Chicago on Sunday at DeMartin in MSU's non-conference finale.

MSU moves to 5-0-2 with the result, while Loyola drops to 4-2-1. With the win, the Spartans complete the non-conference portion of their schedule undefeated for the second time in the Jeff Hosler era (2021) and fifth time ever (2009, 2013, 2014, 2021).

Gaynor's goal was her second of the season and first since MSU's 2-1 win at Notre Dame in the Spartans' season opener on Aug. 15, where she also scored the game-winner. Freshman midfielder Grace Jackson notched an assist on Gaynor's goal for her first collegiate point.

The Spartans outshot the Ramblers, 16-5, and recorded a 7-2 advantage in shots on goal while leading the corner kick battle, 9-1.

MSU and a gritty Loyola side battled from the first whistle, trading shots and possession back and forth throughout the first half. MSU had its best looks of the first 45 minutes from sophomore midfielder Bella Najera and graduate forward Meg Hughes, who both sent shots to the center of the net to force saves by the Ramblers' goalkeeper in the 17th minute.

The Ramblers put a pair of shots on frame of their own in the first half, but MSU goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks corralled both to keep Loyola off the board. The Spartans put up three more shots before halftime but could not find the back of net, leaving it scoreless at break.

Neither team was able to generate much offensively through the first 20 minutes of second half. MSU took control of match in 63rd minute with shot from junior defender Maggie Illig after corner kick and followed with trio of blocked shots in following ten minutes. It looked like MSU would finally break ice in 71st minute when sophomore Ella Janz shot left just outside six-yard box but diving save from Loyola's goalkeeper kept game scoreless with just over fifteen minutes remaining.

After shot from Najera rattled off crossbar in 82nd minute, MSU collected ball at midfield after Rambler goal kick. The Spartans once again regained possession at midfield and brought ball back into box after cross from Hughes was stopped by Ramblers. Loyola attempted clear ball but Jackson collected it just before it passed goal line and passed to Gaynor far outside left box who fired high-flying shot just above Loyola goalkeeper for lead with six minutes remaining.

Loyola was unable to generate any scoring chances in final minutes as Spartans held on for victory.

Parks got win in goal playing full ninety minutes for Spartans earning her second clean sheet this season making pair saves. Gaynor and Najera led shot count for Spartans with three each.

MSU opens Big Ten play on road against Maryland Thursday Sept.12 at College Park streaming on B1G+.