EAST LANSING- Chants of “go green, go white” echoed throughout DeMartin today as the Michigan State women’s soccer team defeated Western Michigan 3-1 in the first round of the NCAA D1 women’s soccer championships.

“They’re a great team. We knew that coming in,” Western Michigan’s head coach, Lewis Robinson, noted. “They’ve got great pieces all over the field, a really difficult team to play at all times.”

The Spartans have earned a ranking every week of the season, and at one point, they were crowned the No. 1 team in the country. This is the third straight season they have earned their way into the tournament.

In the first 10 minutes of the game, the Spartans maintained heavy possession but would get swarmed by the Broncos defense, stopping any chances that could have generated scoring.

Momentum changed in the 16th minute when the Spartans would break the ice with a nice goal shot by graduate midfielder Emily Mathews. Not even two minutes later, graduate midfielder Justina Gaynor would double it with an assist by junior defender Sofia Beerworth.

“To score first, keep the game wide open, made a world of difference, not just in the first half, but as it carried on in the second half,” Michigan State head coach Jeff Hosler said.

The Broncos took over heavy possession for a good chunk following the two goals. In the 32nd minute, graduate forward Jen Blitchok would send a shot past graduate goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks to put the Broncos on the board.

At the break, the Spartans would maintain a one-point lead.

Immediately after the break, Bronco senior goalkeeper Lauren Boafo made some incredible saves to keep the one-point deficit. However, a red card awarded to the brown and gold would lead to them having to play one less man for the remainder of the match.

The Spartans took advantage and maintained possession for the next 15 minutes.

Sophomore midfielder Bella Najera sealed the game with a goal in the 83rd minute that was assisted by graduate forward Mackenzie Anthony.

Despite the attempts by the Broncos, they were unable to generate any more attempts and accepted defeat when the buzzer rang out.

The Spartans will be facing a very talented Texas team in the second round.

“We’re going to have to beat them higher up the field, but we’re also a team that’s willing to mix it up,” Hosler stated.

The second round will be hosted by Duke, with games scheduled to be played on Friday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 24.