EAST LANSING, Mich. –- Northwestern outshot Michigan State Sunday, but it was the Spartans who took advantage of a set piece goal to claim a 1-0 victory over the Wildcats at DeMartin Soccer Complex.

Michigan State’s Olivia Stander scored the match’s only goal in the 77th minute, finishing from right in front of the net off a corner kick. It was one of eight corner kicks for the home side in the match, while Northwestern had one.

The ’Cats held an 11-9 advantage on shots, although both teams put six on target. Freshman Kate Allen (Whitehouse, Ohio/Anthony Wayne) led NU with three shots in the match, including two on goal.

NU had a few opportunities to tie the match late. In the 82nd minute, Julie Sierks (Edina, Minn./Edina) put a shot just high over the net. Less than a minute later, Sam Greene (Santa Monica, Calif./Santa Monica) put a bicycle kick chance on frame that Spartans’ goalkeeper Jill Flietstra scrambled to save.

“We played very well, made good adjustments within the game and shut down their attack in the run of play,” said head coach Stephanie Erickson. “Unfortunately, we missed on our chances and we gave up a second chance on a corner again.

“These are extremely tight games that we’re playing and we are going to win.”

Northwestern returns home to open its final home stand of the season this week. The ’Cats will host Iowa on Thursday for a 7 p.m. match. Admission and parking are free for Northwestern women’s soccer at Lakeside Field.