After experiencing a setback Sunday against Ohio State, the men’s soccer team welcomes a break from its rigorous Big Ten schedule when it takes on Oakland today in Rochester.

The Spartans (7-3 overall, 1-2 Big Ten) have struggled against intraconference opponents this season, gaining their only conference victory in a 1-0 win over Northwestern.

“I think we need to get back on a good note,” MSU head coach Joe Baum said. “We really didn’t play that bad at Ohio State, but once again we had a few defensive breakdowns that they capitalized on.”

Oakland (4-3-2) has posed some trouble for MSU in the past. The Golden Grizzlies hold a 14-4-2 advantage over the Spartans in the last 20 contests.

In the teams’ last battle at Old College Field, the Spartans won, 4-1.

“They have a nice, big field,” Baum said. “It’s not a tough place to play, but it seems like the home team has had the best of play in the series, so it’s going to be a big challenge for us.”

Eight starters return to Oakland from last year’s 8-7-2 team. The Grizzlies are aiming for their third championship in the Mid-Continent Conference.

At the helm of the offense sits forward Phillip Braathen. Braathen led the team in goals scored last season with three, and is doing the same with four scores under his belt already this season.

Jeff Weise is expected to start between the posts for Oakland. Weise has a 1.03 goals against average and two shutouts.

“It’ll be a good time,” Baum said. “They have some international players and they love to play MSU because of the in-state rivalry, so I expect it will be a close game.”

Face off is set for 4 p.m. today at Oakland.