EAST LANSING – On Sunday, Michigan State hosted No. 4 undefeated Rutgers, and hoped of ending the weekend with a win after losing to No. 15 Penn State on Oct. 13th. The Spartans struggled to gain possession of the ball in the first half, allowing the Scarlet Knights to make the point deficit too large for the Spartans to come back from. Rutgers won 3-1 and remained undefeated.
The Scarlet Knights scored 1-0 early in the game when senior forward Birdy Molyneaux swept the ball around the diving goalie Cecily Charles and into the back of the net. Throughout this quarter Michigan State struggled to gain possession, with Rutgers taking its time with each pass ensuring they weren’t intercepted.
Entering the second quarter, the Spartans were still chasing the ball, in the game of keep-away Rutgers seemed to be playing. Eight minutes into the second quarter, Carly Snarski sent a cross ball into the circle that junior midfielder, Guillermina Causarano tipped in, making the Scarlet Knights lead 2-0. Rutgers outshot MSU 10-2 during this half. Rutgers was very poised with the ball, and executed their opportunities.
Coming into the second half, the Spartans remained hopeful for a comeback. MSU gained more possession of the ball and got additional shots off. Eight minutes and nine seconds into the third quarter a penalty stroke was awarded to the Spartans. Fifth-year midfielder Celina Riccardo executed, and closed the gap on Rutgers’ lead.
Entering the fourth quarter the tension was building with a score of 2-1, but Rutgers quickly extended its lead when Molyneaux scored her second goal of the night, three minutes and 49 seconds into the last quarter. Michigan State continued to fire off shots, but none found the back of the goal cage.
The Spartans played a good second half, out shooting Rutgers 8-4, but failed to pull off the upset. Riccardo’s lone goal allowed the Spartans to avoid a shutout for the third straight game. The Spartans hope to bounce back Sunday, Oct. 22 when they travel to face off against Miami of Ohio.
