It hasn't been the best season for Michigan's women's soccer team, but they made a statement on Sunday that will never be forgotten.
Going into the rivalry matchup with No. 1 Michigan State on Sunday, the Wolverines were 3-1-3, with a few ties against teams they probably should have beaten. Then a tough loss to Northwestern to open up Big Ten play wasn't the way Michigan wanted to set the tone in conference play. A win over Illinois helps shift the momentum for the Wolverines before a major matchup against the No. 1 Spartans
The Wolverines went into East Lansing and took down No. 1 Michigan State 3-1 behind an excellent offensive performance from Ella Jablinkskey, who scored the game-tying and eventual game-winning goal. This is the first time the women's soccer team has taken down the No. 1 team in the country in program history, and it is that much sweeter that it came against the Wolverines in-state foe.
History made in East Lansing.
— Michigan Women’s Soccer (@umichwsoccer) September 20, 2026
For the first time in program history, Michigan takes down the No. 1 team in the country!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/t4x2toZZF6
Michigan made quick work of erasing a 1-0 deficit after halftime vs. No. 1 Michigan State
It was a slow start to the matchup for both teams, and it looked like it could go into halftime without a single score, until the Spartans found the back of the net in the 49th minute. Michigan could have taken that negativity into the second half, but instead made quick work of erasing it thanks to Jablinskey.
In the 62nd minute, Jablinskey scored her first goal of the day and three minutes later helped the Wolverines take the lead with her second goal, thanks to an assist from Melisa Kekic. Michigan wasn't quite done yet, as just two minutes later, in the 68th minute, Maya Raghunandanan scored off an assist from Jablinskey and Lilley Bosley, giving the Wolverines a two-goal lead.
Jablinskey had a hand in every goal for the Wolverines, proving her serious worth to this offense. After scoring three goals within the span of six minutes, it was time for the defense to get to work behind the excellent play of goalkeeper Malia Zillman, who delivered a clean 45 minutes against a hot Spartans offense.
Michigan was ready to come out firing in the second half, with 12 of its 17 shots of the game coming then, and five shots on goal. This win is big not only for the program, but for the season as a whole, as the Wolverines continue through conference play.
The Wolverines will return to the U-M Soccer Stadium for the first time in Big Ten play, hosting Washington on Thursday, September 24, at 7:00 p.m. Fans can watch the game live on B1G+.
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