Michigan State University
2-0-1
Oakland
0-1-2
Spartans and Grizzlies Play to 1-1 Stalemate
8/27/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
EAST LANSING, Mich. -
Michigan State survived 110 minutes of intense gameplay to take Oakland University to a 1-1 tie in double-overtime Thursday, Aug. 27, putting together a 2-0-1 record for the season with all games coming on the road.
Michigan State head coach Tom Saxton said that his team needed to remain hungry against the Grizzlies.
Sophomore Jamie Cheslik proved that she had that hunger as she found her way into the back of the Grizzlies' net by finishing a header in the 16th minute of the first half. Cheslik's first goal of the season was her ninth-career goal.
"It was nice to see Jamie rewarded with her goal," Saxton said. "As a forward, you make your mark by scoring goals, and she's played fantastic through the games so far this season."
Oakland found its deliverance when Emma Voelker scored the equalizer off an assist by Joan Sieja in the 32nd minute.
Continuing to battle for the upper hand into the second half, the teams matched shot attempts with both teams tallying 10 during the game.
Physicality of gameplay heightened in the second half, forcing senior goalkeeper Gabrielle Gauruder to lead the Spartan defense against a moment of intense attack. Gauruder came through with several big saves in the second half as well as in the final seconds of the final overtime. Tallying four saves, the senior is up to 10 saves for the season.
Despite having two overtimes, the Spartan offense was unable to capitalize on multiple shot attempts by the front line.
Saxton was proud of the way his team fought through adversity. He said that two areas of improvement that he will seek to focus on for Sunday's home game will be counter-attack opportunities and making the right decision. He also stated that he was disappointed in the way the defense gave up the goal, stating that it was not "classic, MSU defense."
The Spartans will look to improve their consistency and confidence while pressuring their opponent's goal on Sunday, Aug. 30 when they host the University of Dayton at home at DeMartin Stadium at 1 p.m.
Team Stats
Cheslik, Jamie (1)
Header off oakland turnover 10 yards out
15:32
Emma Voelker (1)
Assisted By: Joan Sieja
Goal off centering pass 5 yards out
31:47
