Michigan State’s women’s soccer team leaves the 2025 season having set a new bar for the program, while also having a clear understanding that there’s another level to reach. Stanford showed the Spartans that level Friday in a 5-1 win an NCAA tournament regional final in Palo Alto, California.

The host and No. 1-seed Cardinal dominated possession against the 2-seed Spartans, scoring in the 15th, 25th, 60th, 63rd and 68th minutes. Bella Najera’s strike in the 76th minute from just inside the 18-yard box put the Spartans on the board.

Stanford advances to the College Cup / Final Four for the third straight year. The Cardinal lost in the final a year ago. They won national championships in 2019, 2017 and 2011.

MSU got off to a solid start Friday, playing a high line defensively. After abou

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