MSU women's soccer: Early Wisconsin goal halts Spartans

EAST LANSING - The Michigan Sate women's soccer team suffered a 1-0 defeat over Wisconsin on a rainy Sunday afternoon, Oct. 16. The Spartans conceded an early goal, and were unable to find the equalizer.

At the conclusion of the day, Michigan State moves to 5-10-1 on the 2016 campaign, and are 2-7-0 in Big Ten conference play. Wisconsin improved to 7-4-6 on the year, and 4-2-3 in conference action.

"In response to the early goal, I thought our players did well, as they have all year, they showed great resilience," said head coach Tom Saxton. "They came right back, and created a lot of chances. Corner kicks don't win games but if the corner kick disparity is anything it certainly shows evidence of our pressure on their end."

Wisconsin jumped in to action quickly on Sunday afternoon, netting their first and only goal in the first minute of play. Wisconsin's Emily Borgmann took possession of the ball bringing it up the left side of the field where she crossed to Micaela Powers in the six yard box who slid it past MSU's junior goalkeeper Savanna Wojtanowski.

Michigan State tried to find their offensive niche as senior Marisa Oleksiak recorded three back-to-back corner kicks, but the Spartans were unable to get a shot towards the net. Throughout the remainder of the half Wisconsin took its fair share of shots towards the net, but MSU's defense would not allow another goal.

Despite not being able to find a goal Michigan State finished the first half with five corner kicks to Wisconsin's one. The Spartans had four shots, two of which were on goal, but the Badgers keeper, Caitlyn Clem stopped both of them.

MSU out shot Wisconsin in the final 45 minutes of play with five shots, but were unable to come up with a goal, and the Spartans ultimately suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Badgers.

Throughout the entire game Michigan State owned the corner kicks with eight, to Wisconsin's three. Junior Jamie Cheslik led all players in the game as she recorded six shots, four of which were on goal.

Michigan State will look to snap a four-game losing streak this weekend, Saturday, Oct. 22, when the Spartans host Penn State at 12 p.m. Saturday's game will be the last home game of the 2016 season, and MSU will honor its seniors before the game for their dedication to the Michigan State women's soccer program.

Michigan State Athletics communication department