Michigan State University
8-5-1, 2-5-1Big Ten
Purdue
6-8-1, 2-7-0Big Ten
Women's Soccer Defeats Purdue
10/11/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Michigan State women's soccer team picked up its second Big Ten win and first road win of the season on Saturday evening in West Lafayette, Indiana, taking down Purdue, 2-0. Fifth-year senior goalkeeper Courtney Clem made three saves to earn her fifth shutout of the season. With the win the Spartans improve to 8-5-1 on the season.
"Our back line did well tonight along with [Courtney] Clem," said MSU head coach Tom Saxton. "We we're opportunistic in the goals that we scored and did a good job of defending in the second half with the lead. We're definitely all happy with a road win."
Purdue came out firing in the first half with ten total shots. Courtney Clem made a diving save on a one-touch shot by Purdue forward Makaela Nellams in the 10th minute to keep the game scoreless.
Michigan State, which came into the game 6-0-0 when scoring first, opened the scoring when freshman Jamie Cheslik controlled a ball at the top of the 18-yard-box, turned and fired a shot just inside the left post. With the goal, Cheslik reclaimed sole possession of first place in the Big Ten freshmen scoring race, with eight goals and 18 points.
With the one goal lead, the Spartans defense tightened in the second half, allowing Purdue only one shot on goal. Allyson Krause sealed the win for the Spartans in the 85th minute, burying her third goal of the season after breaking free down the right flank and striking one bottom-left corner.
Purdue could not manage a push in the final minutes giving MSU the 2-0 decision. With the win the Spartans have now won back-to-back conference games after suffering five loses by just one goal to open the Big Ten season.
"Credit to the players and the leaders on our team for keeping their confidence and determination after the tough stretch we had," said Saxton. "A lot of teams could have put their heads down after that, but we went back to work. We'll continue to take that approach throughout the last quarter of the season."
Saxton and his team will look to extend the winning streak when they return to East Lansing next weekend for a pair of home games at DeMartin Stadium. Michigan State will welcome in Ohio State (5-7-1, 2-4-1 B1G) Thursday afternoon for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff that will be aired live on the Big Ten Network. MSU will then host first place Penn State (12-1-0, 7-0-0 B1G) on senior day, Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.
Team Stats
Cheslik, Jamie (8)
Assisted By: Wester, Paige
Inside edge of 18-yard box; turn & shoot
29:43
Krause, Allyson (3)
Assisted By: Fiebernitz, Mary-Kat
Semi-break down right flank, diagonal sh
84:02
