Michigan State Shuts Out Toronto, 7-0

Aug. 22, 2016

EAST LANSING, Mich. -The Michigan State field hockey team won its second and final preseason exhibition match on Monday afternoon vs. Toronto. MSU put together a dominating 7-0 win over the Varsity Blues, earning a shutout and allowing just one shot in the game. Six different Spartans scored goals in the match after having five different goal-scorers in the first exhibition.

"I think that is what our offense is going to be like this year. I don't think we are going to have one player you are going to see racking up all of the goals. I think you're going to see them spread across the lineup," said head coach Helen Knull. "I like that we are multidimensional. We are getting a lot of people shooting and scoring and for opponents trying to scout us, they are going to have a lot of different scoring threats to consider."

The Spartans struck quickly, earning the game's first penalty corner less than three minutes into the contest. MSU capitalized on the set piece, as Lauren Bonness sent in a shot that was redirected in front by Megan Fenton and into the net.

MSU increased the lead to 3-0 on two quick goals as the result of continued possession deep in Toronto territory. Sophie Macadre and Mackenzie Brown picked up the goals in the 14th and 18th minute, respectively.

"I want to see us be in the driver seat and control the game tempo," said Knull. "It should be simple enough to play fast keep-away and I think at times today we forced it a little bit. We talk about the process a lot. The process of the buildup is what we are looking for - we want to control the tempo and control the pace. Overall, I was pretty pleased with the possession and how we played today."

Michigan State took advantage of another corner opportunity that made it 4-0 in the 31st minute. Hannah Ackers recorded an assist on the play. MSU extended the lead to 5-0 before halftime when Kendal Anderson and Fenton found themselves on a 2-0 fast break. Fenton sent in a pass to Anderson who finished the play to cap off the scoring barrage in the first half.

"Seven goals today is good, we will always take that," said Knull. "It means we are getting plenty of shots and output. For today, I wanted to see us control the tempo and the pace. At times, I thought we gave over possession too easily. But, it was great to get a lot of players in the game to get experience and time on the field. Corners were much improved today."

Anderson scored her second goal of the game on a penalty stroke in the 44th minute to make it 6-0. Lauren Bonness capped off the scoring in the 68th minute to bring the game to its final, 7-0.

MSU outshot Toronto 34-1 for the game and held a 10-2 advantage on corners.

The regular-season opener is set for Friday, Aug. 26th at Kent State.