Lack of physicality in attack sinks Michigan to defeat against Michigan State

EAST LANSING — The defense did its part. 

Against No. 5 Michigan State’s high-powered offense, the Michigan women’s soccer team bent without breaking for most of the game, only surrendering a goal from a penalty in a 1-on-1 situation late in the second half.

But when it came time for the offense to return the favor, it proved incapable of doing so, as a lack of attacking physicality sank the Wolverines to a 1-0 defeat against the Spartans.

“In moments like when we won the ball a little bit more deeper in our defensive third, we were pretty quick to just kick it high,” Michigan coach Jennifer Klein said. “And we needed to connect a pass to allow for us to get into some better shape so we could look to play. We just gave them the ball right back, which kind of plays into them and to their strengths.”

Employing a more direct approach to the game, the Wolverines eschewed a possession-based style and focused on getting the ball into the box from the onset. Given Michigan’s lack of pace on the flanks this came in the form of airing out the ball, as the Wolverines made heavy use of crosses and long balls.

At times in the match, it seemed to be a viable method. Michigan put numbers into the box, and even generated several scoring chances through crosses. However, in order to best take advantage of their aerial attacks, the Wolverines needed to win headers. 

This was something they failed to do. Michigan was outjumped by the Spartans in aerial duals throughout the game, both in offensive opportunities and defensive clearances. If the Wolverines had won some more of their aerial duels during the match, it would’ve better enabled them to create direct scoring chances in the box, and potentially find goals. It was a clear example of where Michigan lacked the physicality needed for the victory. 

“When you play in a match where the ball is going to be in the air a little bit more, we just have to be better 50-50,” Klein said. “Win the first, position ourselves to regain the second. So I do think, if we’re better in those areas, they are not having the ball and running at us. So definitely something for us to grow and get better at.”

However, the Wolverines started the match full of energy. Michigan pressed Michigan State intensely, quickly winning the ball back and marking its opponents closely. The first 20 minutes displayed signs that the Wolverines were capable of matching their rivals’ athleticism. 

But that didn’t last long. Michigan wore out quickly and relaxed the press as the half wore on, transitioning into a low block and giving Michigan State more possession. Attempts to advance forward were sporadic, barring long balls and crosses from deep. It was evident that the Wolverines had exerted themselves early in the match, at the cost of the intensity they could have saved to secure a win in the closing stages. 

“I think (pressing less is) naturally gonna happen in a game,” Klein said. “Especially in terms of how we didn’t rotate as many bodies throughout the game. And so, just to have that aggressive press for 90 minutes is a little bit challenging.”

It was a challenge Michigan was unable to rise to. 

With the margin of defeat being so thin, the Wolverines’ attackers will surely be wondering if winning a few more headers or maintaining the press for a little while longer would’ve meant that things ended differently. However, they didn’t, and slipped to yet another defeat as a result.

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