Head coach Jeff Hosler specifically mentioned Colorado’s Hope Leyba as a threat the team will be looking to nullify on Sunday. The Big 12 Forward of the Year has scored 22 goals in 23 games this season, including a laser from 30 yards out on Thursday against Xavier. She is ranked as the third best player in women's college soccer by Top Drawer Soccer. Leyba’s twin sister, Faith, also had a goal in the match against Xavier. 

"They’re very difficult to manage," Hosler said. "It takes one box entry or one set-piece. Colorado is a team that in an instant can change the game."

On Colorado's defensive end, however, there are vulnerabilities. Goalkeeper Jordan Nytes was forced to make 12 saves on Thursday against Xavier. There was considerable room for opposing forwards to move around within Colorado’s defense and although Xavier could not take advantage of that, they managed 28 shots in the match. 

"It’s a great opportunity here, but it’s definitely going to take our best effort against an elite Colorado team," Hosler said. "We’re gonna have to make the game on Sunday about us."

It will be both schools’ third trip to the Sweet Sixteen ever, with MSU’s coming consecutively in the most recent seasons but Colorado’s coming in 2013 and 2006. Both are looking to go one step further for the first time. 

The Spartans and the Buffaloes have an even record with two wins each and one tie. Michigan State is 1-1 at home and 1-1-1 on the road. Although nothing separates the teams historically or earlier in the season, one side will tip the scale in its favor and advance to the next round.

"This is going to be an electric match. This will be a very entertaining one," Hosler said. "We’re trying to do something – for the great success we’ve started to have of late, getting to a quarterfinal is a whole other step. We’re going to need some of that extra support to help bring some energy for us."

On the other side of the Sweet Sixteen, the winner of this round will take one of four teams: No. 1 seeded and ranked Stanford, Alabama, BYU or UCLA. While that may be a tough test if they advance, the Spartans are grateful for any opportunities they are given this late in the season.

"We’re grateful – we’re one of 16 teams left to be able to play in the post-season and we just want to keep going." Kayla Briggs said. Briggs moved to equal second on points in the Big Ten with her goal against Wake Forest, now having eight goals, seven assists and 23 points on the season. Her contributions are proving more and more vital as the Spartans play later into the postseason, leading the team in game-winning goals with five. 

Hosler and the Spartans are hoping for a large crowd to spur them on as they look to push past Colorado into the quarterfinals. This is the stage they have been knocked out at for the past two seasons – but they’ve never been able to face this test on home soil. 

"It’s only an advantage if you take advantage of the opportunity," Hosler said. "We’re gonna need people to show up on Sunday."

Michigan State has had one of the most consistently well-attended stadiums in women’s soccer since Hosler took over in 2021, ranking fifth in the nation last season. For an occasion this big — a Sweet 16 match at home — the Spartans have a strong chance to break the attendance record of five,145 set last season against Michigan. With support from Michigan State University, the athletic department and the greater Lansing community, Hosler believes his team will have its best chance to write its name in the history books.

"There’s literally no better atmosphere than playing here at DeMartin in front of our family and in front of the Red Cedar Rowdies," sophomore midfielder Kayleigh McPherson said. "It’s just so exciting that we get to do it together and we’re ready to go."