Going into its Thursday match against No. 18 Michigan State, the Michigan women’s soccer team was ready for a fight. A win would not only lengthen the Wolverines’ three-game win streak — it would give them their first victory over the Spartans since 2021. But with raised stakes came raised emotions, and Michigan’s aggressive tendencies got in the way of a statement win.

The Spartans came out swinging with a goal in just the first minute of the match. A quick drive up the field and pass to the top of the penalty box got the ball past the Wolverines’ backline before they could settle into gameplay, leaving senior goalkeeper Sophie Homan to defend on her own. Michigan State took advantage of its clean break and successfully buried a shot into the back of the net, leaving Michigan trailing be

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