MSU men’s soccer looks to end losing streak

Forward Jake Spadafora brushes off two Western Michigan defenders. Sept.1, 2022 Photo Credit: Sarah Smith/WDBM

Luca Melloni, Sports Editorial Assistant
September 9, 2022

EAST LANSING — The Michigan State men’s soccer team is preparing for a crucial weekend. The Spartans travel to Bowling Green State University on Friday and then will immediately return home for a Monday night game against Chicago State University. MSU  (1-3) looks to get back to .500 after losing its last three games. 

“We have to be a little sharper in the final third,” head coach Damon Rensing said. “I think once you see one [goal] go in, I think we can get some confidence and keep it going.” 

The Spartans returned from a visit to Akron last Monday empty-handed after suffering a 2-0 loss. MSU’s strength of schedule is currently ranked 75th in RPI rankings after facing No. 4 Notre Dame, Western Michigan and No. 14 Akron in the past two weeks. 

“We had learning points and adjustments we had to make, especially in the first 10 to 20 minutes,” captain Jack Beck said about the game in Akron. “I thought we outplayed the other team [in the second half], but that’s just a learning point we’re going to take into our next game.” 

 Their upcoming opponents have yet to win a game this season, but are coming off a 0-0 draw against Big Ten powerhouse Michigan. 

Last season, BGSU finished in fourth place in the Mid-American Conference and scored 34 goals while only conceding 23. 

“‘We need to win,” Beck said. “Our goal is to go out there, disrupt their game and come out with three points- that’s the most important thing.” 

Following the trip to Bowling Green, Michigan State will prepare for another opponent that has yet to win a game this season. Chicago State (0-2-2) suffered back-to-back 2-1 losses against Detroit Mercy and Bellarmine University in the past week. 

Chicago State is the newest addition to the MAC and the game against MSU will be its sixth game on the road this season. 

“We know we can get back to .500 by Monday,” goalkeeper Owen Finnerty said. “After a little bit of a tough start, the guys are motivated to get back to where we think we can be at.”

Friday’s game against BGSU starts at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on YouTube, free of charge. Then, on Monday, Sept.12, MSU will host Chicago State and that fixture will kick off at 7 p.m. at DeMartin Stadium.