Michigan State University
4-0
Oakland
1-4
Spartans Edge Golden Grizzlies in 1-0 Thriller
9/2/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
"It was a tough win," said MSU head coach Tom Saxton. "We had to show a lot of patience. We had so many really good chances. Credit our players for not showing frustration and keep grinding to get the result."
Fifth-year goalkeeper Courtney Clem was busy once again facing 10 shots, making four saves, to record her third consecutive shutout.
"Courtney has a tremendous presence back there for us right now," said Saxton. "She's playing with confidence and calmness. Our team defense early needed to be better; she had to handle a couple of difficult situations. She really helped us settle down, and had another great performance."
The Golden Grizzlies nearly took the early lead, when a corner kick taken by Annie Quiroga found the head of defender Sarah Reynolds, who beamed it off the crossbar. The remainder of the half was fairly even, with shots five to four in favor of Oakland, and possession slightly in favor of Michigan State.
The second half was much of the same with both teams creating scoring chances but none finding the back of the net, until senior Megan Marsack sprung Cheslik loose on a breakaway in the 89th minute to seal the game for MSU. Cheslik, now with two game-winning goals on the year, leads the Spartans in goals (3) and points (7) and has had at least one point in each of her first four collegiate games.
"Jamie had been very calm and composed in front of the goal," said Saxton. "Her production has allowed us to keep players fresh which has raised the game of everyone around her. She's been outstanding for us."
With the win, the Spartans improve to a perfect 4-0-0 on the year. This is the first time Michigan State has started the season with four consecutive wins since 2008.
MSU will look to continue its hot play when it returns home this weekend to face IPFW on Friday at 5 p.m., and Western Michigan Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m., at DeMartin Stadium. The two-game home stand will be the final non-conference games of the year before the team gears up for its Big Ten opener Sept. 12 at home vs. Wisconsin.
Team Stats
Cheslik, Jamie (3)
Assisted By: Marsack, Megan
breakway beat goalie to top left from 5
88:03
