Michigan State University
Central Michigan
Two Second Half Goals Power Spartans
10/26/2014 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State used two second half goals from senior forward Abby Barker to defeat Central Michigan 2-0 on Sunday afternoon in East Lansing and improve to 10-7 on the year. The Spartans dominated possession for much of the game and held CMU to just two shots, resulting in Sierra Patton's second shutout of the season.
"Today we started a little sluggish in the first half," said head coach Helen Knull. "Although we were controlling possession, we didn't really execute as much as I would have liked to see. Then we started to pick up the tempo and be a little more aggressive. Coming off of Friday's game, we had good confidence, so it was nice to put two games together. To get the win today and a shutout at home is always a positive."
MSU generated several opportunities in the first half, but went into the break in a scoreless draw despite outshooting the Chippewas 7-0. Less than five minutes into the second half, Abby Barker put the Spartans on the board after Allie Ahern forced a turnover in the circle and found Barker for the go-ahead goal.
"We were getting opportunities and just not finishing," said senior forward Abby Barker. "They have a great goalkeeper and she kept blocking everything, so we talked at halftime about having to pull around her because she was going to continue stopping our point blank shots. We came out in the second half and executed that."
Barker tacked on an insurance goal in the 61st minute when she drove in from the end line and beat CMU goalkeeper Sadie Reynolds for her third multi-goal game of the season.
"Right now, every win is a step and part of the process," said Knull. "We have to continue to keep playing Spartan hockey to get the outcomes we are looking for."
MSU wraps up the regular season next weekend at home on Saturday when it takes on No. 7 Louisville at 1 p.m. at Ralph Young Field. The Spartans' six seniors will be recognized before the game for their hard work and dedication to the program in their time at Michigan State.
