MSU graduate midfielder Emily Mathews scored after finding a pocket of space on the edge of the box in the 16th minute after a clever pass by graduate forward Meg Hughes. Graduate midfielder Justina Gaynor finished off a chaotic scrap in the box shortly after to double the lead in the 18th minute.

WMU graduate forward Jen Blitchok, the nation's leading point scorer, pulled one back for the Broncos in the 32nd minute following an MSU defensive error.

Later on, the Spartans sealed the deal as sophomore attacking midfielder Bella Najera finished off a chance from close range in the 83rd minute to give MSU a 3-1 lead.

The Spartans started in their familiar 4-3-3 setup which transitioned to 4-2-4 in attack. Junior defender Sofia Beerworth and sophomore defender Renee Watson bombarded up the pitch at any opportunity.

It was an intense beginning to the match as MSU crowded the midfield, consistently winning aerial duels and 50/50 challenges.

Western Michigan had a clear counter-attacking intention as the green and white kept possession. The Broncos were comfortable with pressure, testing MSU graduate goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks in the ninth minute as Blitchok tried to catch the shot-stopper off guard from range.

The following minutes saw MSU set up camp on the edge of the Broncos’ box. Najera played her signature free-roam role as an advanced playmaker.

MSU scored twice in the span of three minutes with extensive pressure paying off. Mathews tidily tucked away a chance from the edge of the box in the 16th minute, followed by Gaynor finishing off a scramble in the penalty area in the 18th minute.

As the regular season came to an end, a key area of improvement for MSU was decisiveness in front of goal and the Spartans scored two goals on two shots Saturday.

"Really it's a race to one in this game, because if they score first, they can sit much deep ... To score first, keep the game wide open made a real difference," Hosler said postgame.

MSU made one of the best attacking sides in the nation appear sluggish; however, there was plenty of time left in the game. It was action personified as Western Michigan were forced to transition into a low block.

The Spartans were calm and composed. However, amidst little pressure, a loose pass sent Blitchok clean through on goal and she struck a sweet effort into the bottom corner in the 32nd minute. 

The goal was against the run of play, an unnecessary gift by MSU following unparalleled domination.

Momentum was the player of the moment as the Broncos began an impressive offensive spell, showing the true danger of holding a two-goal lead.

WMU senior goalkeeper Lauren Boafo, the MAC Goalkeeper of the Year, took on a sweeper-keeper role, making it difficult for the Spartans to play balls in behind the Bronco defense.

As the referee blew his whistle for the halftime break, there was a sense of unpredictability in the stadium despite the home side holding a lead. One of the best attacking teams in the nation, the Broncos did not need to dominate games all season to get results.

The beginning of the second half was filled with chaos as Beerworth found space on the right once again, successfully beating her marker. She functioned as a winger this game.

"When we have got our outside backs going forward, it adds another level to our ability to play in a dynamic fashion ... We want to keep encouraging those players to go forward," Hosler said.

The Spartans tested Boafo once again in the 48th minute as graduate forward Mackenzie Anthony struck an effort from the edge of the box, which prompted a stunning save by the goalkeeper.

There was continued pressure by MSU as it broke away from the Broncos’ high line. The Spartans were clean through on goal, but senior defender Brielle Gomez executed a chomping challenge which resulted in a red card for the defender.

While the Spartans had an outnumbering advantage, the visiting side found themselves in a five-on-two situation in the 65th minute, which resulted in two attempts on goal in quick succession to no avail. 

While MSU was pushing for cushion as the crowd rocked DeMartin Stadium, the game was far from over. There was a sense of valid desperation from the Broncos as they fought a losing battle with their season on the line.

It became the Boafo show in East Lansing. In the 76th minute, the goalkeeper made another save from close range, this time following a clear opening for Mathews. The shot-stopper single-handedly kept the Broncos in the game.

Three minutes later, Najera was reintroduced, giving MSU an astonishing seven players forward in transition. The Spartans were determined to finish this game on the right foot. 

The dagger was delivered by MSU in the 83rd minute. As the clock ticked, Najera confidently slotted away a chance from close range, a goal MSU was seeking since WMU got on the board. 

The Spartans will travel to Austin, Texas after University of Texas defeated Boston University 4-1. An outstanding season for the Broncos concluded as MSU progressed to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year.