The NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen brings a thrilling matchup this Sunday at 1:00 p.m., as No. 2 seed Michigan State prepares to host No. 3 seed Colorado at DeMartin Stadium. The Spartans approach this game with historical aspirations, as they look to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in the program’s history after overcoming Wake Forest in the previous round.
On the other side of the field, Colorado enters the contest with momentum from a commanding 4-1 victory over Xavier. The teams first met in their season opener, concluding in a 1-1 draw, but much has changed since then. With both teams now peaking in form, this match promises to be a high-scoring affair. Colorado, ranked No. 12 in the nation, boasts an impressive offensive record, having scored 58 goals this season, just ahead of Michigan State’s 53 goals.
Head coach Jeff Hosler emphasized the importance of containing Colorado’s star player, Hope Leyba. The Big 12 Forward of the Year has made waves this season, netting 22 goals in 23 appearances, which includes a spectacular long-range strike against Xavier. Leyba, who is also recognized as the third-best player in women’s college soccer by Top Drawer Soccer, is supported by her twin sister, Faith Leyba, who contributed a goal in the previous match against Xavier. Hosler remarked, “They’re very difficult to manage. It takes one box entry or one set-piece. Colorado is a team that in an instant can change the game.”
Nonetheless, Colorado’s defensive capabilities could present opportunities for Michigan State. Goalkeeper Jordan Nytes was put to the test against Xavier, recording 12 saves amid a barrage of 28 shots from the opposition. This display highlighted some vulnerabilities in the Buffaloes’ defense that the Spartans may look to exploit.
Transitioning to the historical context, both Michigan State and Colorado are making their third appearances in the Sweet Sixteen, but Michigan State has achieved this milestone for three consecutive seasons, whereas Colorado last reached this stage in 2013 and 2006. With both teams holding a competitive head-to-head record of two wins each and one tie, this match serves as a crucial decider for advancing in the tournament.
“This is going to be an electric match. This will be a very entertaining one,” Hosler stated, reflecting on the stakes of this encounter. He expressed hope for strong community support, highlighting the significance of local attendance in bolstering team morale: “We’re gonna need people to show up on Sunday.”
In terms of potential challenges after the Sweet Sixteen, the winner of this match will face one of four formidable teams: No. 1 seeded and ranked Stanford, Alabama, BYU, or UCLA. Nonetheless, Spartans players like Kayla Briggs remain focused on the present. With eight goals, seven assists, and a standing as one of the top performers in the Big Ten, Briggs stated, “We’re grateful – we’re one of 16 teams left to be able to play in the post-season and we just want to keep going.”
As Michigan State gears up for this decisive match, the team is aiming to capitalize on the home-field advantage, having maintained strong attendance records since Coach Hosler took the helm in 2021. There’s potential to surpass their previous record of 5,145 attendees, set last season during a match against Michigan. Midfielder Kayleigh McPherson added, “It’s just so exciting that we get to do it together and we’re ready to go.”
Overall, with both teams possessing dynamic strengths and weaknesses, the upcoming Sweet Sixteen clash appears poised to deliver an absorbing spectacle for fans and players alike.
