EAST LANSING – Both Michigan State soccer programs are 2-0 against Michigan this season after the women’s team defeated the Wolverines on Sunday. Forwards Jordyn Wickes and Lauren DeBeau were on the scoresheet once again and earned the Spartans a 2-0 win in front of a record-breaking DeMartin Stadium crowd for women’s soccer. 

“That was the coolest feeling in the world,” Wickes said about playing in front of 3,022 fans. “It made all the difference in the world. I don’t think we could do this without our fans supporting us.” 

The Spartans earned their 10th win of the season and their 20th win under head coach Jeff Hosler. They reached last year’s win total on Sunday with four conference games remaining. 

“I thought we were dominant from the first whistle, both in possession and territory,” Hosler said. “Jordyn [Wickes] has been that super-sub for us and DeBeau had a quality goal. All around it was a thorough performance.” 

DeBeau is now in second place in the Big Ten scoring table with eight goals, directly behind Wisconsin’s Emma Jaskaniec. Meanwhile, Wickes scored her third goal in the last four games. 

The first goal came in the 39th minute after a cross from DeBeau found Wickes’ head inside the box, and the sophomore placed it past Michigan goalkeeper Izzy Nino. Defender Ruby Diodati started the play with a short pass from a corner kick to DeBeau to catch the Wolverines’ defense on its heels.

While you grab some 🍿 during the halftime break, check out this SWEET feed from DeBeau that found Jordyn for the icebreaker👍🟢⚪️#GoGreen | #BeatMichigan pic.twitter.com/IHRiLj6gE0

— Michigan State Soccer (@MSU_wsoccer) October 9, 2022

Diodati had an impressive outing against Maryland on Oct.2, recording two assists in MSU’s 4-0 win over the Terrapins. 

The Spartans finished the first half against Michigan with 10 shots, but only had one goal from Wickes as a final product. 

“Even though we were up, we did not want to let up a goal,” Wickes said. “We didn’t sit back and we went after it.” 

Coming out of the halftime break, the Wolverines were more aggressive on the attacking front, finding six shots throughout the second half. 

In the 64th minute, MSU midfielder Justina Gaynor delivered a powerful cross from the left side to DeBeau around the penalty marker, and DeBeau struck the ball with her first touch to make it 2-0. Her volley placed the ball in the top corner of the net to double the Spartans’ lead. 

DeBeau had four shots against Michigan and ended the day with an assist to go along with the strong performance. 

As we play on, let’s take a look back to MSU’s second goal of the afternoon👍

2H | 79:23 | MSU 2, MICH 0#GoGreen | #BeatMichigan pic.twitter.com/zEwOwLNnES

— Michigan State Soccer (@MSU_wsoccer) October 9, 2022

“I trust my teammates can score, and it’s all about getting the best possible opportunity,” DeBeau said. “We haven’t had a win against Michigan in quite some time so it feels good to put some respect on our name. This is the new standard.” 

The Spartans and the Wolverines would battle out the last 25 minutes with a series of shots going both ways. Goalkeeper Lauren Kozal ended the night with two saves and earned her eighth shutout of the season. 

After 90 minutes, the Spartans secured their first win over Michigan since Oct.15, 2017. The Wolverines continue to lead the overall series 16-14-7. 

“I’m a local, hometown kid who knows all about the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry, so to get our first win feels really good,” Hosler said. “Through six games, we’re in a really great place in the conference race.” 

The Spartans improve to 10-1-3 on the season and will host the Indiana Hoosiers on Thursday, Oct.13. Kickoff against Indiana is scheduled for 7 p.m.