Waite Scores, Huskers Drop Matchup at #5 MSU

East Lansing, Mich. - In her first game back from competing for Team Canada at the U20 World Cup, junior Sadie Waite breaks #5 Michigan State’s shutout streak, but it was not enough as the Nebraska soccer team fell to MSU 4-1 on Thursday night.

The Huskers battled, but with the loss fell to 3-5-0 on the year and 0-2-0 in Big Ten play, while Michigan State improved to 7-0-2 overall and 2-0-0 in the conference. 

The Huskers opened the first half aggressively earning a corner kick within the first two minutes, but it was Michigan State who found the back of the net first. After a shot off the mark from Ella Guyott, the Spartans ran the pitch and Meg Hughes took a shot that scored off an assist from Gabby Mueller. 

MSU held the Huskers shotless for the next 20 minutes before Waite tied the game with a finish off the crossbar in the 43rd minute. Sarah Weber passed into the box, which was deflected by the Spartan defense, rebounded by Emma Prososki and sent to Waite who took a shot that bounced off the frame and past the goal line for the score. This finish marked the first goal of the season for Waite and sixth of her career, and was the first score MSU had allowed since September 1 at home against #15 Xavier. 

The tie didn’t last long with Michigan State scoring again a minute later, as Emily Mathews tallied a finish off an assist from Remini Tillotson. To end the first half, three Huskers combined for four shots, but MSU held the offensive advantage. 

Weber and Florence Belzile combined for four shots in the second half, one on goal by Belzile, but it was not enough as Michigan State continued its strong offensive attack. The Spartans scored goals in the 69th and 79th minutes from Jordyn Wickes and Ella Janz and secured the 4-1 victory. 

Cece Villa got the start in goal for the Huskers, securing five saves and playing the entire 90 minutes. She was joined by Reese Borer who also played the complete game. 

Up next, the Huskers stay in Michigan and face the Wolverines on Sunday, Sept. 22. Action will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.