Michigan State women's soccer falls to top-seeded Duke, 2-0, in Sweet 16

DURHAM, N.C. – Yes, Michigan State women’s soccer’s unprecedented success came to an end with a second straight trip to the NCAA tournament’s Sweet Sixteen. The Spartans fell to Duke, 2-0, Sunday at the Blue Devils’ Koskinen Stadium.

But more than the loss, here’s what should be taken away from the match: The words of veteran Duke coach Robbie Church:

“We played at a very high level – no question about it,” Church said. “It’s a tough task when we’re playing that well, to come into our home field and to compete with us. We were focused, we were tuned in.”

In other words, this was more than a traditional power simply showing up and beating an upstart program.

It’s especially important to understand for the novice soccer fans tuning in for the post-season. The Michigan State program is ascending under fourth-year head coach Jeff Hosler.

“I want to congratulate Michigan State for a heck of a year,” added Church, whose team has added motivation to send him out a winner with his announced retirement at the end of his 24th season. “They’re a really, really good team. Jeff and his staff have done a great job in a short time turning that program around. They’re going to be a power for years to come.”

The top-seeded Blue Devils (17-2-1), champions of the ACC, advanced to the Elite Eight for the 10th time since 2011. The Blue Devils have won all three of their 2024 NCAA tournament matches in shutout fashion, previously beating Howard, 8-0, and Texas Tech, 3-0.

Meanwhile, the fifth-seeded Spartans were seeking their first Elite Eight trip in program history after upsetting No. 4 seed Texas, 3-2, in overtime on Friday. The Sweet Sixteen was Michigan State’s second in a row, and just the second in program history.

“I’m thrilled with this group,” Hosler said. “I’m so happy with the effort they gave us. To get back to the Sweet Sixteen in consecutive years from where we found it, I’m proud of the continued growth we showed in our program. I have a lot of debt to these players who just played their last game for us.”

The next step for the Spartans is to match the talent they faced. Maybe, just maybe, they can keep home national-level recruits such as Lansing Sexton graduate Amalia Villareal – who scored for Texas in the Longhorns’ loss to Michigan State – with more sustained post-season success.

But for now, Duke’s withering pressure was too much to overcome. The Blue Devils posted these staggering statistical advantages: 29 shots and 12 shots on goal to Michigan State’s three shots and none on goal.

Michigan State goalie Kaitlyn Parks recorded 10 saves. Duke goalie Leah Freeman didn’t have to make a save.

But the Spartans did make Duke work for their goals. Michigan State’s defenders supported Parks with numerous blocks. It took 14 shots before Duke junior midfielder Carina Lageyre broke the scoreless tie with just 2:59 left in the first half.

“I think they were really disciplined,” Lageyre said of Michigan State. “Their box defending was great. We love putting crosses in the box. We weren’t getting good finishes on them, but we were relentless in our attack. We continued to press them.”

Lageyre scored when she tapped in the ball Ella Hasse controlled after a cross from the right side by Mary Long. It was Duke’s 66th goal of the year, setting a school season record.

Duke’s second goal came with 36:23 left in the second half. Parks saved a shot from the right by Mia Oliaro, but Devin Lynch tapped in the goal with Parks having fallen to the turf on the effort. Olario, Duke’s sophomore transfer from North Carolina, shares the team lead in assists with Haase.

Something else Hosler said he will take from the season was the enthusiasm created for the program on campus. The home game against Michigan earlier this season drew a crowd of 5,000.

Hosler said he received messages and pictures during Friday night’s Purdue-Michigan State football game at Spartan Stadium. He learned that, while the soccer team was playing Texas in a 4 p.m. match shown ESPN+, Michigan State football fans who were tailgating set up TVs to watch women’s soccer.

“I think it continues to demonstrate how we continue to grow the game,” Hosler said. “Women’s soccer is an excellent sport, and it deserves more eyeballs on it. It’s a great product.”

One that, even in defeat, drew the respect of Duke’s powerhouse program.