“Even though the score was 0-0, I think the crowd probably got some pretty good entertainment, unfortunately just no goals,” head coach Damon Rensing said after the game. “Outside of the goal column, I think the guys played really well in a lot of areas. ... If you create that many chances more times than not, you’re going to score some goals.”

The first half saw MSU create several scoring opportunities. However, the Spartan’s couldn’t quite send one in. The luck was just not in MSU’s favor in the first half, with multiple shots taking a favorable bounce for Rutgers. Senior midfielder Fatai Alashe nearly made a header, hitting the top post at the 25:17 mark, before bouncing off and being cleared by the Rutgers defense.

Despite not managing to score a goal in the first half, the Spartans offense was very aggressive. The team outshot Rutgers by a relatively large margin.

MSU had nine corner kicks and 11 shots in the first half compared to only two corners and three shots by the Scarlett Knights. MSU’s defense was business as usual in the first half, giving up very few opportunities.

The second half was much of the same for the Spartans; despite some quality opportunities, MSU couldn’t put one through the net. The Spartans outshot Rutgers 16-6 in regulation, and held a 12-5 lead in corner kicks as well.

MSU looked to be the team in control most of the game but couldn’t score in the 90 minutes of regulation time.

The story for MSU was much of the same for the entire game — close but no cigar. In overtime, sophomore midfielder Dewey Lewis got into open space on the right side of the field, sending a pass to junior midfielder Jason Stacy across the middle, setting him up an open shot on goal but Stacy’s attempt went wide right of the net.

“Dewey (Lewis) made a really good run down the line on the right side, and Adam (Montague) made a hard run to the near post, which opened up space for me,” Stacy said after the game. “Dewey played it exactly where it should be — I didn’t have anyone around me, ball comes right to me, and I take a touch ... ball gets caught underneath my feet, and I kinda have to stab for it, and it’s just a missed opportunity.”

The team despite earning the tie, were clearly upset with the result of the game. Rensing acknowledged his team’s demeanor after the game.

“I’m glad the guys feel like they lost. I think that shows where our team is at and what they expect from this program — we don’t feel great about today and I think that’s a good thing,” Rensing said

The Spartans get some much needed rest going forward after having played three games in ten days. MSU plays next on Oct. 4 against conference opponent Ohio State (2-3-3 overall, 1-1-0 conference) .

Game Notes:

Junior goalkeeper Zach Bennett earned his 23rd career shutout tying the MSU record for most career saves.