The opening goal was not only MSU’s only goal, but their only shot on target all game. The Wolverines outshot the Spartans nine to eight – with four of their shots eliciting crucial saves from freshman goalkeeper Noelle Henning.

From that opening play, it was clear that Michigan would not sit back and allow the Spartans to run riot. The Wolverines flipped the statistics, dominating the categories the Spartans usually thrive in: shots, possession, corners, and even fouls. 

The combined 31 fouls set the tone for the game, never allowing either side to capitalize on momentum and contributing to a stop-start pattern. With 20 of those fouls coming from Michigan, the Spartans felt the heavy effect of the Wolverines’ aggression and spent more time than usual pinned in their own half. 

The balance of play didn’t stop the fans’ enthusiasm. Around ten members of the Red Cedar Rowdies – the dedicated soccer student section – were in attendance alongside a larger MSU fan contingent. While without their drum and typical fanfare, the Rowdies cheered all game to not only fight for the title of the better team, but the better fans. 

“The Rowdies' support was really good, we were loud,” sophomore Porter Holden said. “People said they could hear us on the other side of the stadium.” 

While the teams scrapped it out on the field, chants of, “We all laugh at the yellow student section” rang out across the stadium to the tune of The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine. The support was rewarded with the Spartans celebrating their win at the end with the Rowdies.

“It was beautiful, we were just making noise ourselves but then everyone was joining in,” freshman Rowdies member Nova Gentry said. “I’ve seen better play, but we won. I can’t complain!”

Michigan’s narrow defensive tactics successfully flummoxed the Spartans for a large part of the game, with heavy marking of Kennedy Bell and a concentration of players in the middle making it difficult for the Spartans to rely on their tried-and-true methods. While this central focus left large gaps of space available on the wings, MSU did not capitalize on this possible advantage.

Although the Spartans fielded a very attack-minded lineup—featuring creative outside backs Sofia Beerworth and Mimi Hallier—they spent long spells of the game on the back foot. When given the opportunity to push forward, both Hallier and Beerworth contributed positively to the attack with their footwork and speed. Conversely, one attacking player made a significant impact on the defensive end: Kayla Briggs. Briggs played a key role by tracking back from the forward line to apply pressure and win back possession for the Spartans. She also helped carry the ball up the field, providing brief but valuable relief for the MSU defense.

While it wasn’t the prettiest of victories, the grit shown by players of both sides made for a fascinating rivalry match. This win for the Spartans tipped the record between the two in MSU’s favor for 17-16-7. MSU has won each of the last four meetings between the sides, with Head Coach Jeff Hosler having led his team to four victories and suffered only one loss since the beginning of his tenure.

The Spartans will next face No. 7 Iowa on the road on Sunday. With just one point over the Hawkeyes in the Big Ten standings, MSU has another tough fight ahead of them.