Michigan State University’s women’s soccer team, ranked No. 9 nationally, prepares to face Milwaukee in the NCAA Tournament’s first round at DeMartin Stadium on Friday at 6 p.m. This highly anticipated matchup comes after the Spartans achieved the highest tournament seed in their program’s history, landing the No. 2 position due to a strong performance this season.
Finishing second in both the Big Ten regular season and conference tournament — with Washington claiming the top spot — the Spartans earned their prestigious ranking as the Big Ten team boasting the highest RPI (6). This exceptional achievement marks a significant milestone for the program.
Hosting the opening round at home provides an added advantage, allowing MSU to compete before a supportive crowd. If they progress beyond the initial round, the Spartans could also host the second and third rounds, a first for the program.
This year’s NCAA Tournament marks the fourth consecutive appearance for the Spartans, extending a record set last season. With this being their eighth NCAA appearance overall, head coach Jeff Hosler has guided the team to half of those participations.
“We’re so thrilled with the seed,” Hosler expressed. “It’s ideal because if we find ourselves in the second weekend, we get to play right here at DeMartin.”
Historically, the Spartans have advanced past the second round only twice, each time reaching the Sweet 16 in back-to-back seasons. The pathway to the College Cup, set to take place in Kansas City, Missouri, from December 5-8, will be determined through the first four rounds.
Graduate midfielder Reagan Dalton highlighted the comfort of home: “Sleeping in our own beds is huge. Vibes are high, we can set the stage better and there are no bumps in the road.” The Spartans’ current record stands at 12 wins, 3 losses, and 6 draws, with a compelling 7-1-4 performance in Big Ten matches. Since early October, they have consistently been ranked in the top 25, peaking at No. 9 after starting the season at No. 12.
The NCAA Tournament sees a strong showing from the Big Ten, with nine teams participating as either seeded squads or at-large selections. Junior midfielder Bella Najera commented on the competitive edge, “It’s really cool to see all the Big Ten teams. I think already playing those teams as well as the teams on our side of the bracket really helps us out because we know we have the confidence to play them and beat them. I think it’s a really great advantage for us.”
In their first-round game, the Spartans will face off against a familiar opponent, Milwaukee, a team they notably defeated 9-0 in the preseason. However, Milwaukee has not lost a match since August, presenting a different challenge this time around. Hosler noted the evolution of teams over time, stating, “Rewiring our group knowing that this will be a totally different matchup will be a challenge. They’re in the NCAA Tournament every year. They’re made for this.”
As the Spartans aim for their best postseason performance yet, the significance of playing at home cannot be understated. “We’re gonna need the Spartan community to show out,” Hosler urged. “It’s an opportunity to showcase to the country what we’re all about.”
