The women’s soccer team has been a broken record for the past few weeks, and after a defeat to Michigan , the team is in a very deep hole.
MSU (6-4-1 overall, 0-4-1 Big Ten) started out the season with six impressive wins , but since entering conference play three weekends ago, the Spartans have lost four of five games.
All four of the team’s losses have been by just one goal . In the team’s first two conference games against Wisconsin and Minnesota, MSU tied in double and lost in single overtime, respectively.
Last weekend, the visiting Spartans lost to Rutgers in the game’s 89th minute, and most recently against Michigan, MSU lost with under 30 seconds remaining in regulation.
Although the team has suffered these repetitive late collapses, the final result does not accurately represent the team’s capability.
MSU has competed and matched every team to date with physicality and defensive pressure. They have shown resiliency for the majority of each game, but this has been neglected by the team’s record.
MSU’s defense has been the most important factor in keeping each contest close. The offense has disappeared at times, which has in turn put the defense on its heels.
MSU has been outscored 6-2 by Big Ten opponents , and with such little offensive output, losses or ties are almost unavoidable.
The emotional toll on Spartan players is undoubtedly building. After the U-M game, players carried a similar look of defeat, with the girls collapsed with their hands on their knees and hips. From a distance, it was difficult to see tears, but such an emotion would not be out of the question.
The coaching staff is now in the position to work some magic and find a way to keep the players optimistic.
“We have to certainly recognize that they’re hurting and do the best we can to challenge them and get them back on track for Iowa on Thursday,” said Tom Saxton, the head coach .
The season will not stop for MSU to find its way, and with another weekend of loaded competition in the headlights, the Spartans need to have a short-term memory. It is not quite time to panic, but a win in the next two games is vital for the team’s post-season hopes to remain alive.
MSU is in a position that perhaps seemed unlikely heading into conference play, but they cannot dwell on their struggles. They are still the same team from three weeks ago, and although the losses have been difficult, they could ultimately help MSU in the long term and add unprecedented mental toughness.
