From a Big Ten Tournament Championship rematch in East Lansing to signature performances across the conference, a few teams pulled off key wins as the race for Big Ten women’s soccer supremacy heats up.
Spartans Shut Out Defending Big Ten Champs in East Lansing
No. 2 Michigan State has led the Big Ten in the polls this season, and now, it has beaten the defending conference champs. In a rematch of the 2025 Big Ten Tournament Championship game, the Spartans held No. 18 Washington’s attack to just nine shots (two on target) in a 3-0 shutout to hand the Huskies their first loss this season.
After losing last year’s title game in penalties, the Spartans came out with revenge on their minds at DeMartin Stadium, scoring just 2:37 in when Ella Janz tucked home a cross from Faith George.
Michigan State kept its foot on the gas, tallying 14 shots in the first half alone. The two insurance goals came in the second half from Lacey Kindel (also assisted by George) and Grace Jackson, who both tallied their first scores of the 2026 campaign in the 3-0 win.
The triumph marks Michigan State’s sixth shutout and fourth ranked win of the season so far. Read more here.
Joseph’s Stunner Gives Rutgers Ranked Win
After falling just short against the Bruins last week, Rutgers secured its first ranked win of the season with a 3-1 triumph over No. 14 Wisconsin. The Scarlet Knights scored less than 10 minutes into the match against a team that hadn’t allowed a goal in Big Ten play, with Ashley Baran finding the back of the net for her third goal of the season.
Wisconsin tied the game shortly after courtesy of Izy Traub, and it remained tied at one entering the second half. The deadlock lasted until the 60th minute, when Julia Joseph curled the ball over the Badgers’ goalkeeper for one of the craziest goals of the season.
Lilia Calvert added the third goal in the 86th minute as Rutgers got its second Big Ten win of the season. Read more about the Scarlet Knights.
Lincoln Native Leads in Nebraska’s Trademark Win
Nebraska went on the road and defeated No. 20 Michigan for the Huskers’ first ranked win of the season. It was defender and Lincoln native Reese Borer who scored the game-winner with just over two minutes left, heading a perfect cross from Karli Williams into the back right corner.
The victory was Nebraska’s first road win over a ranked opponent since Sept. 2018 against Penn State. Goalkeeper Avery Gillahan had six saves to earn her fourth shutout and Nebraska’s first conference win of the season. Hear more from the Huskers.
There’s more to come. Action picks up again on Friday — check out next weekend’s slate.
Photo from msuspartans.com