Michigan State University
3-0-2, 0-0-0
Buffalo
2-1-1, 0-0-0
Najera's Brace Leads Spartans to 2-1 Win Over Buffalo
8/28/2025 10:29:00 PM | Women's Soccer
East Lansing, Mich. – Junior Bella Najera (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North) broke up a 1-1 deadlock with her second goal of the game to propel No. 17 Michigan State to a 2-1 victory over Buffalo on Thursday evening. MSU wrapped up a four-game homestand and improved to 3-0-2 on the year, while the Bulls fall to 2-1-1.
Najera's game-winner came with 12 minutes to play in the game. Renee Watson sent a ball to Mimi Hallier (Lenexa, Kan./Olathe Northwest), who took it up the left sideline and nearly to the end line. She then crossed it into the box for Najera, who went into the lower left corner to make it a 2-1 Spartan lead.
MSU had to come back from an early 1-0 deficit. The Bulls got on the board in the 33rd minute to end MSU's shutout streak, which had been over three-plus games. Najera tied the game with under two minutes to play in the half, redirecting a rebound off a Kaleigh McPherson shot and kept it low, beating keeper Lexie Thompson.
The Spartans dominated the stat sheet with a 17-7 edge in shots, 11-2 in shots on goal, and 10-1 in corners. Buffalo's keeper Thompson was truly the difference for the visitors, as she was pressed to make nine saves – including a pair in the first half that were eye-popping. She also stopped Najera
SCORING
33' – MSU 0 UB 1: Sarah Woods kept the ball in the box and launched a crossing pass to the far post, where Koby Commandant was able to head it home for her first goal of the season.
43' – MSU 1 UB 1: Ava Lutke collected the ball at the top left corner of the goal box and got it to Kayleigh McPherson, who was to the left of the penalty spot. Her shot was blocked but Najera jumped on it and put it away for her second goal of the season.
Bella Najera with her second of the season in the 43rd minute. She ties the game as the teams head into the half. pic.twitter.com/jsTx1EVxLo
— Michigan State Women's Soccer (@MSU_wsoccer) August 29, 2025
78 '– MSU 2 UB 1: Mimi Hallier collected a pass from Renee Watson, and Hallier took it up the left sideline. Before it hit the end line, she centered it for Najera, who put it into the bottom left corner.
Mimi Hallier carries the ball just short of the end line and centers it for Najera, who puts into the bottom left corner her second of the night. 2-1 Spartans! pic.twitter.com/niHtVTG0Nk
— Michigan State Women's Soccer (@MSU_wsoccer) August 29, 2025
MATCH NOTES
- The win was MSU's third straight after beginning the season with two ties in the opening week.
- Buffalo's goal in the 33rd minute ended MSU's shutout streak at 390:27, which dated back to the season opener at Colorado. It was the first goal of the season allowed by keeper Kennedy Zorn, who finished with one save.
- Bella Najera registered her first brace of the season and second of her career. They were her 19th and 20th career goals, and she now is in sole possession of 17th place all-time at MSU in that category.
- Najera and Kayla Briggs each played all 90 minutes. Najera launched six shots (three on goal) in the game.
- Buffalo keeper Lexie Thompson made nine saves, a season high for an opposing keeper.
UP NEXT
The Spartans will play Sunday on the road at Xavier (1 pm).
Team Stats
Koby Commandant (1)
Assisted By: Sarah Woods
GOAL by BUF Commandant, Koby Assist by Woods, Sarah.
33:57
Bella Najera (3)
GOAL by MSU Najera, Bella.
43:39
Bella Najera (3)
Assisted By: Mimi Hallier
GOAL by MSU Najera, Bella Assist by Hallier, Mimi.
78:01
