The Spartans (8-9-2 overall, 2-8-1 Big Ten) finish the season outside of the top eight teams in the conference, thus eliminating any chance of a berth to the Big Ten Tournament, which takes place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 in Bloomington, Ind.

Yet, as the lights dimmed on the Spartans’ season on Saturday at DeMartin Stadium at Old College Field, Saxton was reflective of his team’s season — both the positives and shortcomings — and appreciative for what they were able to accomplish in 2012.

“It’s been a strange season because we were very, very competitive in every game we played, for the most part, even on the road last weekend when we gave up a few goals,” Saxton said after the conclusion of his 22nd year as head coach of the Spartans. “You know, sometimes maybe us needing to do a tad better, other times having breaks go against us. But (I’m) proud of the seniors; they’re good people.

“Really, that’s what it’s about today: Just keeping our chin up and going out in style. Nothing to be ashamed of.”

The game’s lone goal was scored in the first half by Wildcat midfielder Niki Sebo. With a host of traffic in front of MSU sophomore goalie Courtney Clem, midfielder Katie Gancedo found Sebo in front of the net on a cross, who chipped a close shot right by Clem to give the Wildcats the lead.

Although the Spartans were competitive in the shots and corner kick departments, the offense couldn’t get going for much of the afternoon. The shutout marks the sixth such time this season where the Spartans have been held without a goal, which totals four losses and two ties.

For many, the loss to Northwestern had a familiar feel, as it mirrored the play and result of far too many games during the 2012 season.

“It’s a little bit disappointing,” senior midfielder Jordan Mueller said. “It’s been kind of a rough season, but we’ve played well. It’s kind of how our season has been: We’ve played well in a lot of games, we possess the ball and haven’t come away with the win.”

Not to be lost in the shuffle was the appreciation for the senior class, who walked off the home field for the final time on Saturday. Mueller, forwards Olivia Stander and Kori Reinhart, midfielders Kelly Lindsay and Chelsea Peterson and defenders Desiree Aber and Kelsey Kassab were honored before the game in a ceremony on the field.

After graduating what’s often referred to as the greatest recruiting class in program history following the 2011 season, Saxton said the group he’s losing this year had just as great of an impact on the program, both on and off the field.

“They’re right behind (the 2011 seniors) — they’re the second, by my calculations,” he said. “I always talk about the modern era as the time when the Big Ten started women’s soccer in 1994. So, it’s the second winningest group of the modern era. A great group of seniors. A varied group, too. Players have had to play different roles and had personal highs and lows in their soccer careers.”

One of the most notable seniors departing is the Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich. native Stander. Stander ranks high in the MSU record books, finishing with the 10th most goals in program history (27), second in assists (23) and sixth in overall points (77).

With her MSU soccer career complete, Stander said she plans on returning to school to pursue a nursing degree — something she said was unable to do with the time commitment to soccer. But even in disappointment with the season and the way her career ended, Stander said she has no regrets and is excited for the prospects of the future.

“I had a good four years and I owe it all to my teammates; I couldn’t have done it without them,” Stander said. “The way that we were able to work together for the last four years has enabled me to get that success personally but also as a team, especially last season with the great record we had. I just think it was a team effort.”