Wolverines Falter Against No. 18 Spartans in Rivalry Match

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A full Maize Out crowd of over 2,000 fans was not enough to push the University of Michigan women’s soccer team (5-7-2, 2-3-2 Big Ten) over its in-state rival, as the Wolverines fell 1-0 to No. 18 Michigan State on Thursday night (Oct. 9) at U-M Soccer Stadium.

Michigan limited Michigan State (7-2-5, 4-0-3 Big Ten) to just eight shot attempts, its lowest output of the season, but a conceded goal in the second minute proved the difference in an intense rivalry match that featured 31 combined fouls and five yellow cards.

After conceding early, Michigan regrouped and responded with consistent pressure. Dangerous shots from Ella Jablinskey and Gabrielle Prych threatened the Spartans’ backline, with Prych nearly tying the game in the 38th minute on a powerful strike off the post. Elle Ervin moved to collect the rebound but was whistled offside just before halftime.

The match shifted to defense in the final 45 minutes, highlighted by Aniyah League‘s season-high 81 minutes. League broke up several Spartan counterattacks alongside defenders Vickie Jones and Ellie Fife, who each played the full 90 minutes.

The match grew increasingly physical down the stretch, as the Wolverines were shown two yellow cards while the Spartans’ bench was booked twice. U-M finished with 20 fouls to Michigan State’s 11 — its highest total in a single game this season.

Despite trailing 1-0, Michigan maintained offensive momentum, outshooting the Spartans 9-8 and holding a 7-2 edge in corner kicks. However, four saves from the Spartan goalkeeper brought U-M’s three-game unbeaten streak to a halt.

The Wolverines will look to bounce back at home when they host Indiana on Sunday (Oct. 12) at noon at U-M Soccer Stadium. The match is slated to air on Big Ten Network.