A soccer team with 14 losses generally does not have even the slightest chance of reaching the playoffs. But due to some highly debated NCAA rules, the host of the Big Ten Tournament automatically receives a playoff berth, meaning the Wildcats will bring their 2-14-1 (1-8-1 Big Ten) record to Lakeside Field for at least one round of postseason soccer.
But before it can even begin its playoff run, Northwestern has one last chance to gain momentum before the automatic-elimination games begin.
Michigan State (13-5-0, 6-4-0) will roll into Evanston Saturday led by senior goalkeeper Jill Flietstra, who is first in the Big Ten with a save percentage of 84.8 percent.
“We’re going to need to create chances and get as many as we can,” coach Stephanie Foster said. “If you ask her to make two saves, that’s going to be pretty easy for her. You need to make her move around the goal and make saves and see if you can put one in.”
The Spartans also boast two top 10 goal-scorers, in senior Laura Heyboer (18 goals, third in Big Ten) and junior Olivia Stander (11 goals, sixth in Big Ten).
The defensive key to the game for the Cats will be to keep Michigan State’s two offensive threats in their sights at all times, according to Foster.
“Those two are most dangerous when they get in behind your defense,” she said. “If you lose them for a second, they can hurt you.”
However, to gain momentum before the tournament, the Cats don’t necessarily have to get a win against the Spartans.
“Results would be nice,” Foster said, “but we need some confidence and we need to wipe the slate clean as we go into the Big Ten Tournament.”
Defender Alison Schneeman said that the talent on the opposing squad will not intimidate the Cats.
“They’re definitely a good team,” she said, “but our stress this week is really that we’re a good team, too. It’s less about focusing on them and their good players than it is prepping our team and getting after this.”
For seniors like Schneeman, this game also marks the last time they will take the field for a regular-season game. NU will graduate seven seniors at the end of the year.
“It’s really bittersweet,” senior forward Emily Langston said. “I’m going to miss it so much and miss the team so much. I’m just really excited to have everyone together this last game and to put everything we have out there and hopefully come out with a win.”
