The Spartans once again looked to be in a good position when senior defender Sofia Beerworth equalized just a minute into the second half, then assisted yet another equalizer just five minutes later. Beerworth’s impact in the past few games has been unmissable, her contributions adding experience and skill to the attack and defense both. 

Senior defender Maggie Illig headed in what would be MSU’s third and final goal in the 53rd minute, giving the girls in green and white some hope in a chaotic game. This was Illig’s second goal of the season, a career best. Although her contributions in front of goal have helped MSU massively this season, her leadership and talent in the defense has been a hallmark of the past few years. She was even the most decorated Spartan in the pre-season, making lists such as the Hermann Trophy Watch List, United Soccer Coaches Defenders to Watch and Big Ten Players to Watch. 

Illig has anchored the Spartans with her skills as a one-on-one defender, aerial abilities, game vision and forward momentum. Her season may be going under the radar due to high-scoring teammates and the marketability of firing forwards, but Illig has played a major role in the relative success of the Spartans so far this season. However, even with excellent players in the defense, MSU has work to do tactically in order to utilize the defenders’ talents.

Even though the Spartans showed their goal-scoring ability was never in doubt, defensive lapses and a relentless Iowa side dashed their hopes. Iowa’s five goals came from Liana Tarasco, Kelli McGroarty, Elle Wildman, Berkley Binggeli and Fernanda Mayrink. Mayrink, the goalkeeper, remarkably scored from the penalty spot. Freshman goalkeeper Noelle Henning matched her career high with six saves, but the goals that put Iowa ahead both came off rebounds.

Evidently, the Spartan's Achilles' heel is found in the defense. Even with the performance Henning put up, allowing eleven of Iowa’s sixteen shots to be on goal is a poor feat that the defense and midfield can work to improve with three Big Ten games left. The Spartan attack improved upon their shot productivity, with five out of fourteen shots on target, and only two shots on target not finding the back of the net.

A recent trend in Spartan games shows that opponents are finding success when stifling MSU’s momentum with fouls all game. Iowa recorded twice as many fouls as MSU, posting 20 to the Spartans’ ten. MSU has many very physical players in its arsenal, but smartly utilizing these players to stop attacks without negatively impacting the team is a difficult line to walk. 

While this loss may be tough to take—especially given the level of play and Michigan State’s proven ability to score—a defeat to Iowa is nothing to be ashamed of. However, due to the highly competitive nature of the Big Ten this season, the result could make it difficult for the Spartans to finish at the top of the table unless the teams above them stumble down the stretch.

The Spartans will look to bounce back against Indiana at DeMartin Stadium on Thursday at 7pm.