Michigan State University
3-0-0
Eastern Michigan
2-1-0
Women's Soccer Takes Down Eagles in Home Opener
8/29/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
"We had a few periods of inconsistency but Courtney kept a strong presence back there," said MSU head coach Tom Saxton. "The game could have turned if she didn't remain completely focused. She had another great game."
The Spartans got on the board early after a corner kick off the foot of Alexandra Gjonaj found senior Megan Marsack, who volleyed it into the top right corner over a diving EMU keeper in the 15th minute. It was Marsack's first goal of the season and sixth of her career.
The Spartans kept up the pressure, playing many dangerous balls forward, only to be caught offside six times to keep the score 1-0 after 45 minutes.
In the 61st minute, Michigan State struck again when Marsack played a ball forward to Jamie Cheslik, who dribbled past a defender and crossed the ball into the penalty area. Allyson Krause then took the ball and with a soft touch, buried it bottom left corner of the net.
The Spartans struck again 16 minutes later when Krause displayed an outstanding individual effort to fend off four Eagles to create a two-on-one where she found Rachel Van Popplen, who sent a left-footed rocket over the outstretched Eagles keeper.
Both Krause and Marsack tallied a goal and an assist in the victory.
"We had our freshmen provide the scoring last week and today we had our veteran players step up for us," said Saxton. "That might be the strength of our team. We can get scoring from many different players each of whom are at different points in their careers."
The Spartans are now 3-0-0 and will face another in-state rival Tuesday when they travel to Oakland University to take on the Grizzlies. Oakland is currently 1-2-0 and will meet Illinois Sunday before clashing with the Spartans.
"We're all really confident right now, especially offensively," said Marsack. "Everyone is clicking right now and we're excited to get back to work to try and keep our winning streak going."
Team Stats
Marsack, Megan (1)
Assisted By: Gjonaj, Alexandra
Into the back of the net off the corner
14:48
Krause, Allyson (1)
Assisted By: Marsack, Megan , Cheslik, Jamie
GOAL by MSU Krause, Allyson, Assist by Marsack, Megan and Cheslik, Jamie, goal number 1 for season.
60:19
VanPoppelen, Rachel (2)
Assisted By: Krause, Allyson , Timar, Kelli
GOAL by MSU VanPoppelen, Rachel, Assist by Krause, Allyson and Timar, Kelli, goal number 2 for season.
77:42
