Thursday, May 2, 2024

Soccer

SOCCER

Zach Bennett becomes the winningest MSU goalkeeper in history

There is certainly a strong physical aspect to playing the goalie position in soccer. As the last line of defense and only player on the field allowed to use his hands, the goalie has to be nimble enough to cover the entire width of the net — 24 feet.  Senior goalkeeper Zach Bennett knows a thing or two about what it takes to be a good goalkeeper.

SOCCER

Season ends for MSU soccer in Elite Eight

The men's soccer team (12-5-6 overall, 4-2-2 Big Ten) was defeated 3-2 Saturday afternoon, in the Elite Eight by the Providence Friars (16-4-2 overall, 5-2-2 Big East). This was the Spartans second loss in the quarterfinals in as many years. The Spartans struck first on a goal by senior forward Adam Montague at the 7:40 mark on an assist from senior forward and midfielder Tim Kreutz and junior midfielder Jay Chapman. MSU played with the lead for most of the first 45 but the Friars equalized at the 36:33 mark on a goal by freshman midfielder Daniel Neustadter with an assist from sophomore forward Mac Steeves.  Providence wasn't done with their first half scoring, the Friars took the lead late, scoring on a goal by sophomore midfielder Dominik Machado with an assist from senior forward Fabio Machado and sophomore forward Mac Steeves. Providence took seven shots and four corner kicks in the first half compared to just five shots and one corner kick from the Spartans.  In the second half Providence picked up where they left off in the first, scoring the first goal of the half at the 61:53 mark, on a goal by Fabio Machado with an assist from senior defender Thomas Ballenthin.

MEN'S SOCCER

Men's soccer will face Providence in Elite Eight Saturday

As the No. 3-seeded men’s soccer team (12-4-6 overall, 4-2-2 Big Ten) prepares for its second Elite Eight game in as many years, the team has to be confident that what they’ve done all season will lead them to a win over the No. 11-seed Providence Friars (15-4-2 overall, 5-2-2 Big East) Saturday at noon in DeMartin Soccer Stadium.

MEN'S SOCCER

Men's soccer defeats Oakland to advance to Sweet Sixteen

The men’s soccer team (12-4-5 overall, 4-2-2 Big Ten) advanced to the Sweet Sixteen by defeating the Oakland Golden Grizzlies (10-7-3 overall, 5-0-3 Horizon) 1-0min the second round of the NCAA tournament Sunday afternoon. This was the second time this season the Spartans played the Golden Grizzlies this season, this time avenging their 2-0 loss on Oct. 22 during the regular season.

MEN'S SOCCER

COLUMN — Men's soccer has done more than enough to qualify for NCAA berth

As the men's soccer team (11-4-5 overall, 4-2-2 Big Ten) gets over the its tough Big Ten Tournament semifinals loss to the Maryland Terrapins on Friday, the team must think about what's to come. Neither team was able to score through 110 minutes of play on Friday sending the game to penalty kicks where MSU would lose 3-2 in a five round setup.  The team must look forward to Monday's NCAA Tournament selection show.