The women’s soccer team opens its Big Ten season this weekend, facing off against Illinois and Iowa at home, and MSU head coach Tom Saxton couldn’t be happier.
“Last weekend was good for us. We have to be prepared to raise our intensity level to the Big Ten,” Saxton said. “In the Big Ten, we’re all better athletes, the game’s faster, everybody’s playing harder because there’s so much at stake. It’s really just a matter of lifting up our play, and I know we’re ready to do that.”
MSU (4-1) kicks things off against the Fighting Illini (3-3) at 5 p.m. Friday. And although Illinois lost six starters from the squad that went 12-8-1 last year, Saxton said the Illini still have a very strong team.
However, the Illini will have to contend with a talented Spartan defense, led by junior goalkeeper Stacy Heller.
“We have one of the lowest goals against averages in the country right now, and I know that’s something our whole team is proud of,” Saxton said. “Anchored with Stacy and led by (junior defender) Andrea Sied, our team has been able to keep our defensive pride in tact.”
At noon Sunday, the Spartans will battle a potent Hawkeye offense led by forward Sarah Lynch.
Lynch, who made the first-team all-Big Ten roster in 2001, leads Iowa in several career categories, including goals (38), points (90), game-winning goals (18) and shots on goal (228).
But despite the staggering numbers Lynch has posted, Saxton said MSU will not change its defensive philosophy against Iowa (4-1).
“(Lynch) has hurt us, she beat us a couple years ago right here. She’s just a great goal-scorer - certainly one of the best offensive players in the conference and in the Midwest,” Saxton said. “We’ll stay in our same system, but we’ll know where she is at all times.”
With a rigorous schedule ahead of them, the Spartans hope to kick-start the Big Ten season with a couple of wins this weekend.
“In Big Ten soccer, every game is a big game - and to start things off on our home field is really exciting,” sophomore midfielder Abby Shepherd said.
