A Road Victory in Chapel Hill
On August 23, 2024, the Michigan State women's soccer squad traveled to Dorrance Field in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where they faced the unbeaten No. 5 North Carolina Tar Heels. The Spartans emerged with a 3‑2 triumph, handing the Tar Heels their first loss of the season and snapping a perfect start for the visitors.
Kennedy Bell was the catalyst for Michigan State, opening the scoring in the 21st minute before adding a second goal in the 53rd minute. Her brace not only put the Spartans ahead but also underscored her role as a primary offensive threat.
Bella Najera contributed her first goal of the campaign with a well‑placed free kick in the 63rd minute, a strike that came after North Carolina’s Summer Denigan equalized just two minutes earlier. The goal shifted momentum decisively in favor of the Spartans.
Noelle Henning’s steady hand between the posts kept the Tar Heels at bay, making three crucial saves that preserved the lead. Her performance helped Michigan State maintain an unbeaten record (3‑0) while North Carolina fell to 3‑1.
The victory marked a milestone for the program, representing the first road win over a top‑10 team since a 3‑2 overtime victory against No. 4 Texas in the 2024 NCAA tournament’s second round. It also ended a streak in which both teams had entered the match without conceding a goal all season.
Looking Ahead
Building on the momentum, the Spartans are set to host Eastern Michigan on August 27 before welcoming No. 17 Colorado in a doubleheader on August 30. The upcoming fixtures promise to test the team’s depth and resilience as they aim to climb higher in the national rankings.