Lansing Sun

No. 5 Michigan State Opens Big Ten Play with 5-0 Win at Maryland

Sep 12, 2024

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - No. 5 Michigan State women's soccer team began their Big Ten campaign with a decisive 5-0 victory against Maryland on Thursday night at Ludwig Field.

The Spartans improved to 6-0-2 (1-0-0 B1G) with the win, while the Terrapins fell to 3-3-3 (0-1-0). This victory extended MSU's winning streak against Maryland to four games and increased their scoring margin over the Terrapins to 16-0 since head coach Jeff Hosler took charge in 2021.

Five different Spartans contributed goals in MSU's first away game since their season opener at Notre Dame on August 15. Sophomore midfielder Bella Najera, graduate midfielder Emily Mathews, and junior defender Allie Mairn scored in the first half, while freshman defender Julia Belli and sophomore defender Ella Janz added goals in the second half.

"Really impressive performance by our group. We really challenged them this week," said head coach Jeff Hosler. "I think the last few times out we left some moments on the table. We really challenged them about starting fast; they obviously took that right in stride with a goal really early on, a beautiful goal too, and another goal a few minutes later. I think starting with our foot on the gas and keeping it on the gas the whole time was super important for us."

Michigan State dominated throughout the match, holding a significant advantage in shots (17-2), including shots on goal (9-1). The Spartans also led in corner kicks, securing an 11-2 edge. Najera and Janz each led MSU in scoring with three points apiece.

Graduate goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks played a crucial role in achieving MSU's third consecutive shutout, completing her third clean sheet of the season after playing all 90 minutes.

MSU quickly took control of the game when Najera scored within two minutes. Following a cross from Meg Hughes that hit the right post, Najera capitalized on the rebound to give MSU an early lead.

Shortly thereafter, MSU doubled their lead through a well-executed set piece just outside of Maryland’s box. A free kick from Najera found Maggie Illig who headed it towards Mathews; Mathews then directed it into the top center of the net for her fourth goal of the season.

Despite defensive adjustments by Maryland following these goals, Michigan State continued applying pressure both offensively and defensively—holding Maryland without any shots during this period while taking eight shots themselves.

Mairn scored her first career goal off a pass from Janz following another Hughes corner kick just before halftime to extend MSU’s lead to three goals.

Maryland struggled to create attacking opportunities as Michigan State maintained control heading into halftime leading by three goals.

In minute sixty of second-half playtime came another remarkable set piece where Justina Gaynor’s corner kick met Belli who headed it into top netting for her inaugural career goal making scoreline four-nil favoring Spartans' side yet again leaving little room comeback attempts from opposing team despite trying best efforts resulting no successful outcomes eventually failing capitalize even single chance ultimately leading fifth final blow delivered courtesy excellent execution witnessed late stages nearing full-time whistle sounded concluding encounter five-zero fashion reflecting overall dominance exhibited throughout duration entire match span finally securing much-needed triumph further boosting morale ahead upcoming fixtures scheduled calendar dates lined-up next phase competitive engagements await eagerly anticipated showdown featuring defending co-champions Nebraska slated take place forthcoming Thursday September nineteenth evening DeMartin Stadium nationally televised broadcast coverage provided Big Ten Network channel viewers across regions tune catch live action unfold real-time basis comprehensive detailed analysis post-match review expert panel discussions included programming schedule lineup dedicated sports enthusiasts followers alike eagerly awaiting exciting eventful clash between formidable sides poised deliver thrilling spectacle high stakes environment ensuring maximum entertainment value guaranteed audience worldwide watching closely every move made pitch hoping witness memorable moments cherished long remembered history books written future generations recount tales legendary battles fought field honor glory pride representing respective institutions prestigious legacy carried forward tradition excellence upheld consistently years gone past continuing strong present day shaping destiny brighter tomorrow envisioned shared collective dreams aspirations united common purpose striving achieve greatness together journey embarked embarked upon reaching pinnacle success ultimate objective pursued relentlessly unwavering determination spirit perseverance commitment dedication hard work pays dividends reaping rewards deservedly earned recognition accolades bestowed deserving recipients acknowledgment contributions invaluable part integral whole larger picture painting masterpiece vividly portraying essence true sportsmanship displayed finest hour epitomizing core values ideals principles embodied ethos guiding philosophy underpinning foundation built solid rock strength resilience enduring testament enduring power will overcome adversity emerge victorious triumphant end story told celebrated widely appreciated universally admired revered respected peers contemporaries admirers fans supporters worldwide witnessing awe inspiring performances delivered highest level possible human potential realized fullest extent achievable limits surpassed boundaries pushed breaking new grounds exploring uncharted territories discovering hidden talents unlocking mysteries unknown revealing secrets untold unfolding chapters epic saga unfolding before eyes behold wonder marvel glory days ahead promising bright future beckons horizon awaits calling embrace challenge rise occasion meet expectations exceed beyond imagination dream big aim higher reach stars sky limit infinite possibilities endless opportunities abound ready seize moment make mark leave indelible imprint lasting legacy everlasting memory etched hearts minds forevermore never forgotten cherished always remembered fondly forever ingrained soul essence being living breathing embodiment pure passion love beautiful game called football soccer universally loved adored billions globally transcending borders cultures languages uniting humanity common bond shared joy celebration life itself encapsulated single word: magic truly magical indeed!