It wasn’t quite as high scoring or dazzling as games in the past, but the outcome was just the same — victory for MSU.
The Spartans women’s soccer team held off Loyola 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at DeMartin Soccer Stadium at Old College Field — extending their overall record to 5-0, a feat only achieved three other times in the program’s 22-year history.
“This was our toughest opponent so far — in the beginning we were overly concerned, but we got better as the game went along and we got some great help from our reserves,” MSU head coach Tom Saxton said. “Sunday games are like that. You need to stay in it and use your (substitutions) — it was a good sign for us; we continue to grow as a team.”
With 12:02 to play in the first half, sophomore forward Cara Freeman leapt and headed in a lofty corner kick from junior midfielder Lauren Sinacola to give MSU a 1-0 lead that it took into halftime.
And although only two of MSU’s 14 shots were on goal, Sinacola said the constant pressure on Loyola goalkeeper Katie Groesch allowed the Spartans to stay in control.
“We attacked and we supported the offense,” Sinacola said. “When we started playing our game, we played awesome. Our game is gaining possession and finding the slots through. It was really in our favor when we did that.”
Just seconds into the game, freshman forward Laura Heyboer juked and split two defenders getting all the way into the goalie’s box before blasting a shot just wide of the right goal post.
This was followed by various other opportunities that just didn’t connect.
That was until the 63rd minute when junior forward Lauren Hill lofted a corner kick that was knocked down by Freeman before Heyboer settled it down and sent it into the goal. It was her sixth goal of the season and extended the lead to two.
“We worked more as a team today and that’s going to help us win tough games,” Freeman said.
“It’s not individuals; individuals don’t win games. Teams do. Everyone as a whole is doing awesome.”
Heyboer leads the team with six goals and three assists. Hill is right behind her with five goals and two assists.
The Spartans also defeated Eastern Michigan 3-0 on Friday at DeMartin with two goals from Heyboer and one from Hill — their first game at the new stadium.
“It feels great to be able to make history and play here first, where so many Spartans will play in the future,” Heyboer said.
MSU takes the field again at 4 p.m. Friday, hosting Western Michigan at DeMartin.
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