EAST LANSING, Mich. — Despite and early goal, the Michigan State men’s soccer team fell to Northwestern, 2-1, on Senior Day on Sunday.
With the loss, Michigan State ends the regular season 6-8-2 overall and 3-4-1 in Big Ten action. Northwestern improves to 3-8-2 overall and 1-5-2 in league play.
“I think it was a difficult result for us. We had a dream start, a great goal, and played really well in the first 20 minutes. We played Friday, Tuesday, then Sunday they had a whole week off,” MSU head coach Damon Rensing said. “They were playing desperate because they needed to win the game to stay in the Big Ten Tournament. For me a tough result, very proud of the seniors. We have a great group here, they have really had to go through a lot, with COVID and different changes. For them to do what they have done, and have been great role models for this athletic department and this university.”
The Spartans struck first in the 10th minute. Senior midfielder Louis Sala began the play with a beautiful ball that found the head of freshman forward Jonathan Stout. The goal was the fourth of the season for the Michigan State rookie.
The Wildcats wasted no time in responded tying the score at 1-1 in the 14th minute. After a Logan Weaver shot and a kick save MSU goalkeeper Owen Finnerty, Jayvin Van Deventer took the rebound and blasted it to the lower right corner past Finnerty.
Despite a dangerous chance by senior midfielder Jack Beck in the 38th minute. At the end of the first half, the Spartans out-shot the Wildcats, 5-3, but the game remained tied 1-1.
The tide changed for the Spartans with a foul in the box in the 81st minute. Ethan Dudley converted the PK to give the Wildcats the 2-1 lead.
Following the penalty kick, MSU looked to find the equalizer with shots by Beck and junior forward Greyson Mercer, but were unable to find the back of the net.
After the game, MSU honored its seven seniors in Alaa Algahim, Gianni Ferri, Owen Finnerty, Conner George, Kellan Landefeld, Andrew Nicholsen and Nick Stone.
The Spartans earned the No. 6 seed in the upcoming Big Ten Soccer Tournament. Michigan State will travel to Columbus, Ohio to take on No. 3 seeded Ohio State on Friday, Nov. 4. The time has yet to be determined.
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