East Lansing, MICHIGAN — #2 Michigan St. dominated Milwaukee 4-1 on Friday in the 2025 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship at home, with 1,359 spectators witnessing the Spartans' commanding performance. The second-ranked hosts controlled the match from start to finish, outshooting the visiting Panthers 23-5 overall and 13-3 on target to advance their tournament resume.
Kennedy Bell opened scoring for Michigan St. in the 19th minute, giving the Spartans an early advantage. Kayla Briggs extended the lead in the 53rd minute with an assist from Sofia Beerworth, doubling Michigan St.'s advantage after halftime. Emerson Sargeant added a third goal in the 56th minute, set up by Kaleigh McPherson and Sophia Piotrowski, effectively putting the match out of reach. Adelle Francis sealed the victory with a fourth goal in the 67th minute. Lola Wojcik scored Milwaukee's lone goal in the 76th minute, assisted by Zoey Pagels, providing a consolation marker for the Panthers.
Michigan St.'s defensive structure limited Milwaukee's attacking opportunities throughout the contest. The Spartans generated nine corner kicks compared to Milwaukee's single corner, reflecting their sustained pressure on the Panthers' defense. Michigan St.'s goalkeeper made just two saves, a testament to the team's ability to control possession and limit high-quality chances for the visitors.
Milwaukee's goalkeeper recorded nine saves, working overtime to keep the deficit from expanding further. Despite the lopsided shot totals, the Panthers mounted occasional counterattacking threats but struggled to create consistent scoring opportunities against Michigan St.'s organized backline. The visitors' inability to generate sustained offensive pressure proved costly in a tournament setting where efficiency matters.
The Spartans' performance demonstrated the attacking depth that has made them a national championship contender. Multiple players contributed to the scoring, showcasing the balanced offensive approach that defines top-tier college soccer. Michigan St.'s ability to convert chances—scoring four times on 13 shots on goal—highlighted clinical finishing when opportunities presented themselves.
Michigan St. entered the tournament fresh off a Big Ten Championship run that included a 2-1 overtime victory against #3 UCLA and a 1-1 triple-overtime draw with #1 Washington. The Spartans' now play Wake Forest.