On September 20, 2026, the Michigan State women's soccer team, ranked No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches poll after recent victories over USC and UCLA, experienced its first loss of the season with a 3-1 defeat against instate rival Michigan at DeMartin Field. The Wolverines, coming off a mixed start in conference play, had lost five consecutive matches to the Spartans prior to this game.
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The match was marked by a wet and rainy atmosphere, with both teams managing to remain scoreless during the first half. Michigan State initiated the second half strongly when senior forward Emerson Sargeant scored a goal from midfield, giving the Spartans a 1-0 lead.
Michigan responded in the 62nd minute when forward Ella Jablinskey converted a shot from a corner kick, leveling the match. The Spartans were without their usual starting goalkeeper, Noelle Henning, who was away with the Canadian women's national team. Just three minutes later, Jablinskey assisted Melisa Kekic to put the Wolverines ahead.
In the 68th minute, another U-M corner kick led to a goal by Maya Raghunandanan, increasing Michigan's lead to 3-1. MSU head coach Jeff Hosler emphasized the team's lack of discipline, particularly noting the two goals conceded from set pieces as uncharacteristic errors. Despite outshooting Michigan 21-17, with a 10-5 advantage in shots on target, the Spartans could not score again.
With this loss, Michigan State’s record stands at 6-1-2. The team is set to host Nebraska on September 24 at 7 p.m.