Spartans Down No.12 Wolverines in Ann Arbor

Oct. 24, 2014

Ann Arbor- Michigan State upset in-state rival and 12th-ranked Michigan on Friday by a score of 2-1. MSU used two first- half goals in two minutes to earn its first victory in Ann Arbor since 2004. The Spartans are now 9-7 on the season and 4-4 in Big Ten play.

"We have had very close games against Michigan in the past couple of years," said head coach Helen Knull. "The last time we were at Michigan we had the lead and then lost in overtime, so that was still fresh in our minds. We came in today with the confidence that no matter where we were playing we can stick to our game plan and continue to fight for our spot in the Big Ten standings. We stuck to the game plan and played 70 minutes and executed how we needed to. Overall, it was a solid team performance and today was big for us confidence wise."

MSU converted on its only penalty corner of the half in the 29th minute to get on the board first and take a 1-0 lead. Sophomore midfielder Kristin Matula sent in the pass to senior back Alli Helwig who blasted a shot into the bottom left of the net for her sixth goal of the season. Helwig has now scored a goal in three consecutive games.

The Spartans struck again just two minutes later after senior forward Allie Ahern gathered a loose ball at the top of the circle and put home her eighth goal of the season and first goal in five games.

"We worked this week on our corners and scored on one today," said Knull "We had been knocking on the door with some opportunities in the attacking-25 and Allie got into the circle and ripped the shot. From there, we could continue to stick to the game plan and attacking in numbers."

The Wolverines pushed back and cut into the lead in the 47th minute when Leslie Smith got the ball on the break and chipped a shot over the charging redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Sierra Patton.

In the game's closing minutes, the Spartans fought off several consecutive corners from Michigan to preserve the one-goal lead and knock off the Big Ten-leading Wolverines. Sierra Patton made four saves in the contest.

"All week in practice, we keyed in on corner defense," said Knull. "We knew roughly what Michigan was looking to play and came up with some huge saves. Alli Helwig came up with another defense save and I thought Sierra Patton had a solid performance in goal."

Michigan State returns to action at home on Sunday when it takes on Central Michigan at noon.