Sunday’s game was freshman goalkeeper Zach Bennett’s third shutout in five games.

He’s also started the past five games for MSU, earning himself a 4-1 starting record, falling only to Penn State 2-1 on the road.

“I have to attribute a lot of it to my defenders,” Bennett said. “I haven’t had to do a tremendous amount; I think I’m getting the job done when I’m called upon.”

Head coach Damon Rensing said he thinks two back-to-back shutouts — a 1-0 win over Oakland Wednesday and Sunday’s game — say a lot about the team.

“You can’t just not give up goals, you have to score goals,” Rensing said. “I think we’re creating quality chances, and I thought we were pretty sharp in the final third.”

The Spartans earned their second Big Ten win by kicking off the scoring with a penalty kick goal.

Senior midfielder Domenic Barone scored the goal — his third of the season — following a foul inside the box on junior midfielder Cody Henderson.

Barone said although it was nerve-racking, he’s been taking penalty kicks his whole life.
“It was definitely a big thing,” Barone said of his goal.

Barone’s goal gave MSU a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

About fifteen minutes into the second half, senior midfielder Nick Wilson made a strong run up the field, and sophomore forward Adam Montague nabbed Wilson’s rebound to give the Spartans a two-goal lead.

“I think Nick Wilson gave us a really good spark,” Rensing said. “In the last couple games, he’s been very good and looking to take people on. Domenic’s been playing well, and certainly Adam. We really just haven’t been able to play with a unit for consistency, and we’re just starting to figure things out and enjoy it.”

MSU led Wisconsin in shots, 13-9, and fouls, 8-6.

The Spartans hope to carry their winning streak through next Sunday’s game against Indiana at home.

“I think we’re just staying together,” Rensing said.

“We’re playing for 90 minutes, (and) we’re not giving up goals, and when you do that, you’re going to be in every game.”