With summer winding down, the men’s soccer team is gearing up for another season after making a run to the Elite Eight in both 2013 and 2014.
The coaches are not allowed much contact with their players over the summer, but head coach Damon Rensing said they have been closely following the players who participated in various summer leagues.
“A lot of guys played (over the summer), a lot of guys were active, and we’re happy with where they were,” Rensing said. “Our expectations don’t change a ton. Our goal every year is to put ourselves in position to challenge for a Big Ten Championship.”
Several players gained quality experience while keeping themselves in shape for the upcoming season as the Spartans attempt to get over the hump.
“I think Zach Carroll had a good summer with the Bucks. The Bucks were one of the better (Premier Development League) teams in the country and (he) had a very solid summer with them,” Rensing said. “Kyle Rutz and Ken Krolicki played on K-W United out of Toronto and they actually beat the Bucks to win their conference. I think those guys played well.”
“Our backup goalkeeper Quinn McAnaney, Jimmy Fiscus and Jason Stacy all played for Lansing United and I think those three all helped Lansing have a successful season,” he added.
While the current players are preparing for the upcoming season, a few former Spartans are performing at the professional level. Both Fatai Alashe and Jay Chapman are playing for Major League Soccer; Alashe for the San Jose Earthquakes and Chapman for Toronto FC.
“That’s been really neat to see with both of those guys. Fatai is probably in the top three for Rookie of the Year in the MLS,” Rensing said.
Alashe has been making a name for himself as of late, scoring against one of the premiere soccer clubs in the world and competing internationally for the U.S. U-23 men’s national team in the Toulon Tournament in France.
“Fatai scored against Manchester United a week ago, so you’ve got a guy who was playing at Michigan State less than a year ago and he basically scored a goal against the biggest soccer club in the world,” Rensing said. “I think that is a testament to our program, we try to develop players ... to move on and play.”
With summer drawing to a close, players will report to MSU on Aug. 11 for meetings and organization followed by a fitness test on Aug. 12.
The team will then prepare for its only preseason game of the year. MSU will travel to take on Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne at 6 p.m. on Aug. 21 in the Shindigz National Soccer Festival.
“I’m looking forward to the preseason, I think the guys are getting excited,” Rensing said. “It’s around the corner and we’re really looking forward to it.”
