Spartan Men’s Soccer Travels to Penn State Friday

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State men’s soccer hits the road  for a Big Ten battle against Penn State, facing the Nittany Lions on Friday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. at Jeffrey Field.

After a pair of home wins last week, the Spartans improved to 4-4-2 overall and 2-0-1 in Big Ten action. The Spartans are off to  their best start in B1G plays since the 2017 season when they also started the season 2-0-1.

The Nittany Lions tied Northwestern last week and stand 4-3-3 overall and are 1-0-2 in league contests.

SERIES HISTORY AGAINST PENN STATE

The Nittany Lions lead the overall series with the Spartans 25-17-2, including a 9-7 record in University Park. Penn State has won three of the last four meetings, including a 3-0 win against Michigan State in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament on Nov. 7. The Nittany Lions also captured a 1-0 win against MSU on Oct. 1. In that battle, the Spartans played a man down for much of the second half after a red card. Penn State finally broke through in the 87th minute. Hunter Morse made the first save on a shot by Tyger Evans, but was unable to maintain possession. Daniel Bloyou was able to take the deflection to give Penn State the only score of the game.

LOOKING AT THE NITTANY LIONS

Penn State currently holds a 4-3-3 overall record, holding a 1-0-2 Big Ten mark.  The Nittany Lions have a league win against Wisconsin to go along with ties against Maryland and Northwestern. Peter Mangione is tied for second in the Big Ten in goals scored with five, while standing tird for fourthin points with 12. Penn State goalkeeper Kris Shakes in fourth in the league in goals against average (1.30).

NEW LOOK SPARTANS

Michigan State’s rookies have had solid campaigns. Transfers Elijah Howe and Owen Finnerty have been solid fixtures in the Spartan offense starting nine and 10 games, respectively.

Freshmen Jack Guggemos, Jake Spadafora and Jeremy Sharp have all started at least one game this season. Freshman Jonathan Stout has come on strong of late with one goal and an assist total over the last two games. Stout has the scored a goal against Michigan on Sept. 27 and added an assist on the game-winning goal against Wisconsin on Oct. 2. Guggemos is third on the team in scoring with two goals and one assist for five points.

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