“Obviously, breaking an NCAA record is a pretty cool feeling,” said Steinlage, a 6-foot-2 Grand Ledge native. “It’s exciting to look at some of the great goalkeepers I passed on the list. There are a couple of the U.S. national team keepers on that list that I looked up to when I was a little kid.”

Ironically, the last time Steinlage gave up a goal stretches back 11 games to last year’s regular season matchup against Illinois-Chicago on Oct. 15, 2008.

The Flames had a chance to end Steinlage’s chance at the record, a spoiler role Illinois-Chicago has taken in the past, as they ended the Spartans’ storybook season last year on penalty kicks in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

So when the two teams took the field Sunday, the Spartans were determined to earn some revenge and hopefully help Steinlage keep his shutout streak alive.

When the whistle blew to signify the end of regulation time, Steinlage and the rest of the team knew he had broken the record, although everyone was tight-lipped about it as they stayed focused for extra time, where the teams remained deadlocked for a final score of 0-0.

“No one said anything about the record until after the game,” Steinlage said. “I think everyone just wanted to get the win and we were more focused on beating them to give them a little bit of payback.”

Although Steinlage’s name will go down in the record books, he is quick to point out that the defense in front of him deserves as much credit.

“The guys in front of me have been fantastic,” he said. “We are only two games in, but we are already feeling comfortable in the way we
work together.”

That comfort level was in question entering the season, with the Spartans changing from a man-marking defensive scheme to a flat-back, four system.

But MSU head coach Damon Rensing said Steinlage’s
leadership and skills between the woodwork have helped smooth the transition.

“Avery’s very confident and extremely athletic,” Rensing said. “His knowledge of the game is getting better and better and he’s always capable of making the big save.”

The Spartans (1-0-1) will look to extend Steinlage’s streak this weekend when they travel to Ann Arbor on Friday to compete in the Michigan Invitational.