Michigan State University
5-8-1, 2-5-0B1G
Illinois
5-9-1, 2-4-1B1G
Michigan State Drops Road Contest to Illinois
10/9/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
CHAMPAIGN, ILL. - The Michigan State women's soccer team fell in a 3-1 decision at Illinois on Sunday afternoon. Two goals by the Fighting Illini in the first half were too much to overcome for the Spartans.
At the conclusion of the weekend, Michigan State now stands at 5-8-1 on the 2016 campaign, and 2-5-0 in the Big Ten Conference. Illinois now sits at 5-9-1 this season, and are 2-4-1 in conference play.
"We came out even, the Illinois forward hit a great shot from distance so credit to them," said head coach Tom Saxton. "We were back and forth early, but it was an important first goal for them. We conceded another goal on a defensive lapse, and it was tough to retaliate."
Illinois started the game with a corner kick and three back-to-back shots. MSU tried to generate its first offensive action on a corner kick from junior Morgan McKerchie to connect with freshman Hannah Jones, but Jones' header went high.
The Spartans followed up the corner kick with two consecutive shots towards the net in the 13th and 15th minute, but Illinois goalkeeper Clare Wheatley stopped both of them.
After a handful of substitutions for Illinois, the Fighting Illini found their first goal in the 35th minute to take the 1-0 lead over the Spartans on a goal from Patricia George. Right before the half ended, Illinois' George found the back of the net again in the 43rd minute to increase their lead to 2-0.
MSU began the second half with a corner kick from senior Marisa Oleksiak but the Spartans were unable to get a shot towards the net. Junior Jamie Cheslik sent a header towards the goal in the 50th minute, but Illinois' Wheatley tallied another save.
Illinois sent three shots towards MSU's goal, but the defense prevailed to help generate the Spartans offense on counterattacks. After subbing into the game in the 67th minute, senior Michelle Dear netted her first goal of the season to cut Illinois' lead to 2-1.
Despite trying to find the equalizer in the waning minutes of regulation, Illinois capitalized on a corner kick, which resulted in a header to increase their lead to 3-1. MSU ultimately fell to Illinois by that final score to end the weekend road trip.
The Spartans ended the game with eight shots, three of which were on goal, and two corner kicks. Junior goalkeeper Savannah Wojtanowski recorded four saves in Sunday's loss.
"I give total credit to our upperclassmen, they really made a turn at half," said Saxton. "We fought our way back in to it, unfortunately we conceded on a late corner kick and that is a tough hole to dig out of. Hopefully our freshman will learn from our upperclassmen after today. Our upperclassmen definitely got us back into the game this afternoon."
Michigan State will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak when they return to DeMartin Stadium for a three-game home stand. The Spartans will first welcome Minnesota to campus on Thursday, Oct. 13, with a kick time set for 4 p.m.
Team Stats
George, Patricia (2)
GOAL by ILL George, Patricia (FIRST GOAL), goal number 2 for season.
34:25
George, Patricia (3)
Assisted By: Maday, Kelly
GOAL by ILL George, Patricia, Assist by Maday, Kelly, goal number 3 for season.
42:49
Dear, Michelle
GOAL by MSU Dear, Michelle.
70:07
Robishaw, Reagan (2)
Assisted By: D'Addario, Hope
Header GOAL by ILL Robishaw, Reagan, Assist by D'Addario, Hope, goal number 2 for season.
74:40
