Falcons fall to MSU in tourney

11/12/2005

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The Michigan State women's soccer team erupted for four second-half goals to defeat Bowling Green 4-0 in the first round of the NCAA tournament last night at Notre Dame.

The win propels the Spartans (12-5-5) into the second round of the NCAA tournament for the first time.

It marks the end of the season for the Mid-American Conference champion Bowling Green Falcons (14-7-2).

"If you look at the first half, you've got to give Bowling Green credit," said MSU coach Tom Saxton, who earned his 150th career win. "They really had us on our heels. We were fortunate to get that first goal, but it brought us to life and after that our girls really got going."

The Falcons forced the Spartans sophomore goalkeeper Nicole Galas to make eight stops in the first half and 12 in the game in earning her 11th shutout of the season. Her biggest save came in the 17th minute when she stopped MAC freshman of the year Corbie Yee in a one-on-one opportunity.

At 39:39, MSU's Erin Konheim nudged the ball into the Falcon net to give MSU a 1-0 advantage.

Jenee Witherspoon gave the Spartans a more comfortable lead with her first goal of the season in the 71st minute. Kristi Timar put Michigan State up 3-0 with 8:52 to play.

She sealed the Spartans' victory less than three minutes later with an unassisted goal.