EAST LANSING, Mich. – Behind a second-half goal from sophomore forward Richie Ludwig, the Michigan State men’s soccer team earned its first win of the season, 1-0, against Villanova on Friday afternoon at DeMartin Stadium.
The Spartans had to adjust the game time from 12 p.m. to 11 a.m. due possible inclement weather in the area. Michigan State football also kicks off the season tonight at 7 p.m., leading to a busy campus.
“That was a great environment. I think everything is kind of crazy around here,” MSU head coach Damon Rensing said. “We are going to be rooting for a big win for Jonathan Smith’s first win tonight, but we really appreciate all of our fans who came out. I really applaud our guys who are leaders for adjusting to the time changes. Usually, you are waiting around until 7:00 p.m., today we got up at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast, and I told them good teams adjust and good teams find a way to win no matter the circumstances. Credit to our guys they did that.”
With the win, the Spartans improve to 1-1-1 this season, while Villanova falls to 0-2-1.
In the first half, Michigan State dominated possession for most of the period. The Spartans had three shots in the first five minutes, highlighted by the first shot on goal by senior midfielder Sean Kerrigan. MSU had the advantage in the first half in shots 10-5.
“It was great to see the ball get in, and we probably had a couple of other chances where it should have gone in, got a little deflection, and a little love from the soccer gods. If you create good chances and put pressure on teams good things will happen, and we did that. So very happy for the guys and the win today,” Rensing said.
In the 64th minute, the Spartans finally broke through. Junior midfielder Jonathan Stout found sophomore forward Richie Ludwig on the right side just inside the 18-yard box. The goal was the first of the season for Ludwig.
“We had so many chances to put the ball in the back of the net in the last game, and we ended up losing. So to end up putting it in the back of the net and winning this one meant a lot for us,” Ludwig said.
For the game, Michigan State out-shot Villanova, 24-8. Wildcat goalkeeper Sebastian Cutler-DeJesus was exceptional making seven saves. MSU redshirt-junior Zac Kelly captured his first clean sheet of the season, making three saves.
The Spartans continue their four-game homestand against No. 5 Oregon State on Monday, Sept. 2 at 1 p.m.
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