No. 5 ‘Cats Host No. 15 Spartans in Big Ten Blockbuster

EVANSTON, Ill. –– No. 5 Northwestern (12-1-2, 6-0-1) hosts No. 15 Michigan State (11-1-3, 6-0-1) on Sunday in a matchup of the Big Ten’s top two teams. 

The Spartans will be the second-consecutive opponent from the state of Michigan after the Wildcats dispatched Michigan 3-0 on Thursday night. The Wildcats were held scoreless for much of the first half until Caterina Regazzoni broke open the scoring in the 44th minute.

Northwestern added another in the 61st minute when Nicole Doucette delivered a cross to Emma Phillips who headed it to Aurea del Carmen, who netted her sixth goal of the season.

Ella Hase joined the scoring in the 85th minute to make it 3-0 and cap off the scoring. The win extended the ‘Cats program-best unbeaten streak to 13.

‘Cat Facts

• Northwestern came in at No. 5 in this week’s United Soccer Coaches Poll, a one spot improvement from last week and the highest ranking in program history
• NU’s thirteen-game unbeaten streak, dating back to August 23 at Kansas, is a program record
• The Wildcats have scored a first half goal in ten consecutive games
• Northwestern’s 12-1-2 record is the best through fifteen games since 2016 (12-1-1)
• Six ‘Cats have tallied at least three goals this season
• Josie Aulicino ranks first in the Big Ten in assists (7), second in points (21), fourth in shots on goal (23), and tied for fifth in goals (7)
• Rowan Lapi has scored four game-winning goals this season, tied for most in the Big Ten

Michigan State rides into Sunday on a nine-game unbeaten streak, with five consecutive wins. The Spartans most recently defeated Indiana 1-0, behind a goal from Zivana Labovic. Lauren DeBeau leads the Spartans in scoring with eight goals and ninteen points with fourteen appearances. Lauren Kozal handles goalkeeping duties for the Spartans, boasting a .875 save percentage and allowing .43 goals per game. Kozal was named the preseason MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List and was named a Big Ten Player to Watch, along with Samantha White and Ruby Diodati.

MSU leads the…