It was a bittersweet opening weekend for the MSU women’s soccer team, which kicked off its season Friday in College Station, Texas at the Texas A&M Aggieland Invitational.
In the opening round and first game of the season, the Spartans faced off against St. John’s and proved their young players would make an impact early in the 2010 season.
In the 21st minute, freshman defender Annie Steinlage took the ball at midfield and found sophomore forward Olivia Stander open, who bent it past the goalkeeper for the games only score.
The Spartans won 1-0 and could focus on Sunday’s battle against defending national champions and preseason No. 1 North Carolina.
But MSU wasn’t able to take advantage of the opportunity of playing one of the nation’s top teams.
The Tar Heels proved to be too much for the Spartans and beat MSU handily, 3-0. The MSU women were unable to get past a vicious Tar Heels defense, being outshot 25-3, and gave up a goal to sophomore Alyssa Rich in only the fourth minute.
Goals were also scored by Kealia Ohai (50th minute) and Brittani Bartok (73rd minute).
The Spartans will look to rebound against Western Michigan in their home opener Sunday, August 29.
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