Spartans Rally to Defeat Buckeyes, 2-1
10/16/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
EAST LANSING, Mich.- The Michigan State women's soccer team secured its third straight victory in dramatic fashion Thursday afternoon, defeating Ohio State, 2-1. After surrendering a goal of off a penalty shot in the last minute of play, the Spartans roared back and scored the game-winner, with 27 seconds left in regulation.
Senior forward Paige Wester had the game-winning goal, after she knocked in a cross that was fed into the six-yard-box from the right flank by freshman Jamie Cheslik. The goal was Wester's first of the season and the second game-winner of her career.
"It was a devastating decision that tied the game up," said MSU head coach Tom Saxton. "I began thinking about adjustments we needed to make in a potential overtime situation; I'm glad we could avoid that. I'm also very happy for Paige [Wester]. She's a senior in her last weekend at home and to see her have that moment was fantastic."
The Spartans got out to the early lead when Wester broke in from the left side and fired one on net that was stopped by the Buckeye goalkeeper, but left on the doorstep for junior midfielder Allyson Krause to tap in. Krause's goal came at the 58 second mark, which ties the fastest goal to start a Big Ten game this season.
Courtney Clem was called on several times in the first half and made five stops to keep it 1-0 after 45 minutes of play.
Michigan State created multiple scoring chances in the second half, but couldn't extend it's lead.
The Buckeyes put the pressure on the Spartans in the final 10 minutes of the second half, but the Spartans withstood each Buckeye counter until the final minute. A foul inside the box with 50 seconds to play gave OSU's Kayla Varner a penalty kick that she put past Clem to tie the game, 1-1.
Michigan State is now 8-0-0 in games in which it has scored first.
"We came ready to play today," said Saxton. "I think we almost surprised ourselves with scoring in the first minute. We needed this game against a team we are fighting with in the standings."
Michigan State now moves past Ohio State in the Big Ten standings, and remains in contention to qualify for the Big Ten Tournament with 10 points and a 3-5-1 record.
Michigan State will now get ready to welcome Big Ten leader Penn State on Sunday afternoon for senior day at DeMartin Stadium. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
"We need to asses our physical situation; probably use our bench a bit more in that one," said Saxton. "I always tend to get emotional on senior day; I think everyone does. We need to make it about our seniors and get the job done."
