Ricondo’s game-winner came on the Spartans’ first shot on goal and gave MSU its first Big Ten win of the season.

The victory was also the first conference win for MSU head coach Damon Rensing.

Sophomore forward Rubin Bega set up the MSU goal by weaving through two Hoosier defenders and taking a shot on goal that Indiana goalkeeper Luis Soffner wasn’t able to hold onto. Ricondo charged the back post and slid toward the ball, making just enough contact to push it into the right corner of the net.

“We had people in the right place,” Rensing said.

“You’ve got to credit both Rubin and Jeff. Rubin made a great play to go between two defenders and Jeff didn’t stop running the whole game.”

The Spartans (7-4-1 overall, 1-3-0 Big Ten) were outshot 22 to 7 in the game and were outplayed by the Hoosiers for the majority of the match.

Junior goalkeeper Avery Steinlage made eight saves in the game.

“I think about 75 percent of (Indiana’s) dangerous chances came in the first 20 minutes,” Rensing said. “We kept them at bay and we knew if we weathered the storm we would get some chances.”

In the past three meetings against the Hoosiers, the Spartans are undefeated. And with last season’s two victories, MSU became one of only three teams in the history of Indiana soccer to beat the Hoosiers twice in one season.

All three of the Spartans’ conference losses this season have come by a single goal, including their heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Wisconsin last weekend.

“The timing was great for this win,” Rensing said.

“We’ve been playing well and not getting results. Sometimes you need help, or a bounce or two to go your way and it did today.”