EAST LANSING – For the majority of the 2023 season, the Michigan State men’s soccer team was undefeated. A culmination of wins and draws throughout the year led them to staying unbeaten, until Ohio State finally got the better of the Spartans. 

 Just over a week after the first loss of the season for MSU, Ohio State managed to again knock off the Spartans in the quarterfinal round of the Big Ten tournament, this time in a defensive battle that finished with a 1-0 final score in favor of the Buckeyes. 

 “That was just a really good playoff game that came down to one or two plays,” MSU head coach Damon Rensing said. “We just couldn’t quite find that last pass or that last shot.” 

 It never really felt like MSU’s day, as they only mustered three shots to the Buckeyes’ nine and had just one shot on goal to the Buckeyes’ two. 

 Fouls played a large part in this postseason matchup, with 13 apiece for each team. Many players voiced their unhappiness with the referees throughout the match. 

 After a scoreless first half, the second half was looking to be a tight, 45-minute battle. Nine minutes into the second half, Ohio State found itself in the Spartans’ third of the field, and off a rebound it was the Buckeyes’ Andre Roberts who found the back of the net and took the one goal lead. 

 The rest of the match saw Ohio State create more opportunities. OSU had eight shots and three shots on goal in the second half, compared to MSU’s two shots and one shot on goal. 

 With Michigan State’s future this season still in limbo, Rensing spoke on his team and the resilience they have shown. 

 “Two losses in 16 games, that is impressive,” Rensing said. “I’m very proud of this group.” 

 Michigan State is not guaranteed a spot in the NCAA tournament, and they await the Nov. 13 selection show to find out if they will be included in the College Cup this season. 

 Ohio State moves on to the semi-finals of the Big Ten tournament and will face No. 2 seed Penn State. The time and TV network are currently TBD.