Spartans Book Second Straight Shutout with Draw at Cincinnati

CINCINNATI – In a physical battle with both the opponent and the elements, Michigan State women’s soccer worked to a scoreless draw with Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon at Gettler Stadium.
 
Michigan State dominated the shot chart, amassing a 10-5 edge in shots attempted, while owning the possession battle for most of the game. The Spartans attempted eight corner kicks compared to Cincinnati’s lone attempt and notched two shots on goal compared to UC’s one. Senior forward Lauren DeBeau, junior midfielder Justina Gaynor, graduate defender Ruby Diodati and freshman midfielder Morgan Gerak highlighted the box score with two shots apiece.
 
Both squads got out to an even start through the early going, with MSU pushing for scoring opportunities in the first five minutes on a pair of corner kicks. Stingy defense kept the score deadlocked for much of the opening stanza, with DeBeau booking the first shot of the game in the 15th minute.
 
In the 23rd minute, officials were notified that lightning entered the area, requiring a weather delay. Play resumed after over an hour in the locker room, with Cincinnati logging the only shot on goal of the half that rolled safely into the hands of senior goalkeeper Lauren Kozal. The game entered halftime knotted up at nil.
 
Following the shortened halftime intermission, the Spartans maintained their possession-based attack and fought for multiple scoring chances. Justina Gaynor attempted a banger in…