Following an exciting victory at DeMartin Stadium last weekend, Michigan State men’s soccer team head to No. 5 Akron on Wednesday night looking to build on their three-game unbeaten streak.
MSU’s record on the road (3-1-1) has been quite impressive, unbeaten in their last three outings. The Spartans have also gotten points from five of their last six games after a few stumbles earlier in the season.
“I think we’re starting to be a little more understanding [of one another, and] we’re being more aggressive [going forward],” MSU head coach Damon Rensing said earlier in the week.
Akron is enjoying a great season thus far, winning their last six games to currently sit on a 10-2-1 record. Over that stretch, they have scored a total of 13 goals and conceded just two.
The Zips have won four games at home, though their biggest victories have come on the road where they have beaten three ranked opponents.
Zips sophomore Richie Laryea has dominated on the scoresheet, netting nine goals and three assists, while Adam Najem and Sam Gainford have also been dangerous going forward, tallying 16 points each.
Akron goalkeeper Jake Fenlason has played every minute of the season thus far, racking up a .734 save percentage, while allowing just over a goal per game.
The Spartans have also enjoyed a nice run of goals lately, totalling four over their past two games. Ryan Sierakowski has been the team’s focal point up front, scoring five goals and three assists across the season.
After netting the opening goal against Penn State on Sunday, midfielder Jason Stacy has brought his point total up to eight with two goals and four assists.
Senior Zach Bennett has continued his strong form in goal, allowing less than a goal per game while saving 78 percent of shots.
“These end of season games don’t necessarily count for more,” Bennett said after MSU’s win on Sunday. “It’s still a win or still a loss, but these teams are fighting for their lives to make a difference in the Big Ten.”
The Spartans and Zips last met in October last season, where MSU claimed a 1-0 victory at home. Stacy scored the only goal of the game 10 minutes from the half.
Michigan State’s game against Akron will be played at 7 p.m. on Wednesday night.
