Michigan State women's soccer celebrates a goal against Xavier University at DeMartin Soccer Stadium on Sept. 1, 2024.
After going undefeated in the non-conference schedule and opening up Big Ten play with a 5-0 win over Maryland, MSU's women’s soccer team was ranked No. 1 in the country by the RPI rankings Monday.
In its fourth year under Head Coach Jeff Hosler, MSU is reigning back-to-back Big Ten champions and is coming off the program's first-ever Sweet 16 appearance.
At 6-0-2 through eight showings this season, the Spartans have outscored their opponents 22-5 on an average of 10 more shots per match. Graduate midfielder Emily Mathews, a transfer from Purdue, leads the team with five goals. Forward Meg Hughes and midfielders Justina Gaynor and Emerson Sargeant are tied for a team-best four assists.
A 1-0 shutout of Loyola Chicago closed MSU's undefeated non-conference journey for the second time in Hosler's four years at the helm.
Against Maryland to open conference play, MSU played a complete 90 minutes, accumulating 17 shots on goal to the Terrapins' two. An outstanding performance from MSU graduate goaltender Kaitlyn Parks helped the team to its third straight shutout.
The Spartans sit inside the RPI top five in the rankings with Big Ten foe Ohio State, ranked No. 5.
Michigan State is back at DeMartin Stadium Thursday, Sept. 19 to open conference play at home against Nebraska at 6 p.m. Big Ten Network will air the match.
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