Lansing Sun

A late surge in the second half secured a 3-1 victory for Michigan State University's women's soccer team against Purdue, concluding their regular season at DeMartin Stadium. This win brings MSU's overall record to 12-1-5 and finishes their Big Ten schedule at 7-1-3. Purdue ended their season with a record of 7-9-2, including a 3-7-1 standing in the Big Ten.

With this victory, the Spartans clinched the No. 4 seed in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament and are set to face Rutgers on November 2nd at Minnesota's Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. The teams previously drew 1-1 earlier this season.

"The first half I thought we played pretty well, we had much of the territory," stated head coach Jeff Hosler. "We had a lot of the ball, obviously had the goal. We were generating chances."

The match saw graduate forward Mackenzie Anthony score first for MSU in the 23rd minute, marking her fourth goal of the season. Freshman midfielder Kaleigh McPherson scored an unassisted game-winner in the 82nd minute, followed by graduate forward Meg Hughes' insurance goal two minutes later.

Graduate goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks contributed to MSU's success with four saves throughout the match.

Early on, both teams struggled to create significant opportunities until Anthony capitalized on a loose ball in front of Purdue's goal, giving MSU an early lead. Despite dominating possession and earning several corners, MSU entered halftime with only a one-goal advantage.

In response to Gracie Dunaway’s equalizer for Purdue in the second half, MSU intensified their efforts. A yellow card issued to Purdue’s bench provided additional momentum for MSU leading up to McPherson’s decisive goal from Watson’s corner kick clearance attempt.

Hughes sealed MSU's win with another goal assisted by Gabby Mueller and Anthony as they continued pressing forward until full-time.

The Big Ten Tournament will commence on October 31st in Minneapolis, culminating with semifinals and finals scheduled for November 7th and November 10th respectively at CITYPARK in St. Louis.