Michigan State University
7-5-1
Maryland
6-10-1
Terps Top Spartans
10/21/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Living up to its mantra of "playing the full 90 minutes" the Michigan State women's soccer team fought until the very final seconds of Wednesday evening's 1-0 loss to Maryland, in College Park.
Maryland (6-10-1, 1-7-1 B1G) earned its first conference win after a series of several close overtime losses and a tie.
Seniors Erica Goodenough and Shauna Stadelmaier made their first starts of the season for the Spartans against Maryland. Sophomore Madison Duncan saw notable playing time as well.
Michigan State head coach Tom Saxton praised both Stadelmaier and Goodenough for their performance when called upon.
"Shauna's stepped in during big moments before and didn't miss a beat," Saxton said. "She's confident and she's been there before. As a senior, Erica Goodenough knew what expectations we had of her. She's a bright spot coming off the bench for us."
Despite three Spartans tallying three shots apiece, including a near goal by sophomore Jamie Cheslik which was saved by Maryland goalkeeper Rachelle Beanlands, the Spartan offense struggled to find the necessary angle needed to convert a much-desired goal. Sophomore forward Kristelle Yewah, freshman midfielder Michaela Kovacs and senior Erica Goodenough paced the offensive effort.
Saxton said that despite the Spartans' extended road trip, his players brought the intensity and effort required for a well-played game. He credited Maryland for scoring the crucial first goal in the second half, citing that his team needs to improve on executing on defensive restarts.
Senior goalkeeper Gabrielle Gauruder finished with two saves.
Saxton warned coming into today's match that no Big Ten team should be underestimated.
"You have to be very careful about making assumptions about teams just by where they are in the standings," Saxton said.
MSU (7-5-4, 3-4-2 B1G) will head home to host Indiana (3-8-6, 0-5-4 B1G) on Sunday, Oct. 25 where the Spartan seniors will be honored prior to the game.
Team Stats
Lisa Bianchini (1)
Assisted By: Alex Anthony , Maisie Mccune
Tapped in after a scramble in the box
53:33
