Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's women's soccer team faced a setback on Sunday, losing 2-1 to Washington at Husky Soccer Stadium in Seattle. This marked the first defeat of the season for the Spartans, who now hold a record of 9-1-5 overall and 4-1-3 in the Big Ten Conference. The loss also ended MSU's program-record unbeaten streak at 14 games.

The game saw Washington outshooting Michigan State with a total of 16 shots to nine and maintaining a slight edge in corner kicks, four to three. Mackenzie Anthony, a graduate forward for MSU, led her team with four shots. Kaitlyn Parks, the team's graduate goalkeeper, recorded one save during her time on the field.

The match began with Washington launching three early attempts within five minutes. However, Michigan State took an early lead in the eighth minute when Sofia Beerworth's pass resulted in an own goal by a Washington defender.

Despite holding possession after this initial advantage, MSU couldn't maintain their lead. A free kick by Ioanna Papatheodorou tied the game for Washington in the 21st minute after it hit the crossbar and went into the net.

Both teams struggled to create scoring opportunities for much of the first half following this equalizer. The second half started with MSU controlling possession but failing to convert their chances into goals. Meg Hughes had two shots saved by Washington's goalkeeper Mia Hamant.

As time wound down, Papatheodorou scored again from another free kick in the 86th minute, securing victory for Washington with less than five minutes left on the clock.

Michigan State will return home for their final regular-season games starting against Wisconsin on Thursday at DeMartin Stadium.