Gina Guy
EAST LANSING — The Michigan State Spartans women’s soccer team faced the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Sunday afternoon in East Lansing. MSU came into this match ranked No. 1 in the NCAA United Soccer Coaches poll and No. 2 in the NCAA RPI rankings, with Rutgers ranked No. 26 and undefeated in conference play.
MSU ranks 17th in the country in goals per game average (2.64), continuously posing a scoring threat, while Rutgers ranks first in the country in goals against average (.200).
The Spartans controlled much of the first half, outshooting the Scarlet Knights 7-3. Midfielder Gabby Mueller led the way with two shots, both missing wide. The Scarlet Knights found opportunities, but Michigan State’s defense – highlighted by junior defenders Sofia Beerworth and Maggie Illig – supported keeper Kaitlyn Parks to protect the net. At the end of the first half, the game was tied nil to nil.
MSU forward Mackenzie Anthony saw chances throughout the game, and in the 79th minute, she finally capitalized, scoring from the top of the box off an assist from Adelle Francis.
Six minutes later, Rutgers found itself an opportunity. After a handball in the box, RU’s Gabriela Gil netted a penalty shot past Parks for the equalizer with only four minutes remaining.
A free kick awarded to MSU’s Justina Gaynor in the 88th minute gave Michigan State one last opportunity, but Rutgers keeper Olivia Bodmer made the save and secured a draw for the final result.
Michigan State had a great opportunity in the 88th, as a free kick was awarded to Justina Gaynor outside of the box, but the Spartans could not capitalize on the moment, as Rutgers keeper Olivia Bodmer jumped to make the catch and help secure the tie.
After the game, MSU coach Jeff Hosler expressed frustration with the result.
“Really just disappointed from start to finish today,” Hosler said. “This was not the way we are accustomed to playing. This is at least three times this year that we’ve shot ourselves in the foot late, giving gifts to our opponents to secure a different result. It lacks discipline, it lacks effort, it lacks energy, and those aren’t three things that this team has come to be known as.”
MSU will host the University of Michigan next Saturday at 7 p.m.