Lansing Sun

A third-minute goal from graduate midfielder Justina Gaynor proved decisive as fifth-ranked Michigan State women's soccer defeated No. 9 Penn State, 1-0, Sunday afternoon at Penn State's Jeffrey Field.

MSU improved to 8-0-2 (3-0 B1G) with the victory, while Penn State fell to 8-2-1 (2-1 B1G). The Spartans' 10-match unbeaten streak marks the best start in program history, surpassing their previous record of nine matches set in 1986 and 2009.

"Massive win for our group," said head coach Jeff Hosler. "Coming off a really physical game Thursday and coming here against a really good, well-organized opponent, to come away with three points is massive for this group. To go through 10 unbeaten is pretty special, especially with the schedule that we've had. This is a special group that continues to find a way to grind out results. That makes us really dangerous as we continue to get better."

Despite an 18-12 advantage in shots, including an 11-4 shots on goal edge for the home team, the Spartan backline held off all scoring opportunities from the Nittany Lions. Graduate goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks made a career-high 11 saves to secure her fourth clean sheet of the season.

Gaynor's goal was her third of the season; all three have been game-winners. Graduate midfielder Gabby Mueller tallied an assist on Gaynor's goal, her second of the season and second in as many games.

After an early on-target shot from Penn State in the opening minutes, the Spartans capitalized on possession following a Nittany Lion throw-in at midfield. A shot from Bella Najera was blocked by a Penn State defender, but Mueller collected the rebound and sent the ball to Gaynor, who scored from just outside the box to give MSU a 1-0 lead three minutes into the game.

Penn State had several chances to respond throughout the half but was thwarted by Parks. MSU also failed to capitalize on corner kicks and other opportunities.

In the second half, both teams traded possession without generating much offense until MSU earned three consecutive corner kicks in the 71st minute. However, Penn State's defense held strong.

Senior forward Jordyn Wickes and junior defender Remini Tillotson forced two Penn State saves late in the game before Penn State mounted a final offensive push. Parks made four saves in the last seven minutes to preserve MSU's lead.

"Big-time moments require big-time play from big-time players," said Hosler. "That's what Justina Gaynor is. Gabby (Mueller) on the ball recovery, the awareness to play to Justina and Justina with a strike. And then collectively, as a group, to see the game out the way we did, in addition to a couple of massive Kaitlyn Parks saves to secure this victory."

Next up for MSU is an away match against Ohio State in Columbus on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m., which will be streamed on B1G+.