Sparkowski, Michigan prevail for first win of the season

Often, it’s a team’s offense that drives it to victory. But against No. 24 Alabama, it was graduate goalkeeper Stephanie Sparkowski who saved the Michigan women’s soccer team. 

On Sunday, following a five-game losing streak and one tie, the Wolverines looked to snap out of a slump against their second ranked opponent of the season. And when Michigan’s offense lacked chemistry, Sparkowski — supported by the Wolverines’ defense — proved to be unbreakable. 

Fifteen minutes into the first half, the Crimson Tide shot the ball toward the lower right side of the net. But in their way stood Sparkowski. As she made her first save of the game, she jumpstarted the first of many pivotal moments, including one more save in the half.  

Sparkowski didn’t act alone. Within the first 45 minutes, Michigan’s defense forced six unsuccessful shots from Alabama. Spearheaded by senior and junior defenders Tamia Tolbert and Aniyah League, the two applied much-needed pressure on the Crimson Tide by creating difficult shooting situations.

“Credit to (the backs) today,” Sparkowski said. “They blocked shots and then got in there and made some tackles. The connection is huge because I can see the whole field, so I’m constantly trying to communicate with them.”

After a Wolverines goal to finish the first half, Alabama was as energized as ever out of the break. But Michigan kept its composure and continued playing just as it did in the first half. 

Mere seconds into the second half, the Crimson Tide’s offense rushed to the goal, ready to shoot. But just like the first half, wherever the ball flew, Sparkowski was there to stop it from going in. After back-to-back saves, Sparkowski earned her first shutout of the season. 

“I’ve been yearning for a shutout this season,” Sparkowski said. “I had a few last season, and I really wanted one, so I knew I needed to stay locked in for 90 minutes there. Alabama was a really great opponent as they came out quick. Once we went up, I knew that they were going to come out even harder in the second half.”

Again, Sparkowski didn’t act alone. The rest of the game proved to be a sprint for the defense, as it effectively contained the Crimson Tide’s offense throughout the half. 

With three shots and six corner kicks in the final 45 minutes, the Crimson Tide struggled to chip away at the Wolverines’ defense. Even when Alabama got past this tactful defense, Sparkowski stood there as the last line of defense, unpenetrable. And for a team that averaged three goals a game this season, the Crimson Tide ended the game with no points to their name. 

“A big thing for (Sparkowski) is always her composure,” Michigan coach Jen Klein said. “She’s a steady Eddie. She doesn’t get too high, doesn’t get too low, and for her, it’s just managing those big moments.”

Sunday was a game of many firsts — including the Wolverines’ first win and first shutout. Sparkowski and Michigan defense proved to be impenetrable against the once-daunting Crimson Tide, and if they can keep up their connection, Michigan may be able to convert the single win into a streak. 

Related articles