MSU men's soccer is still tied for second in the Big Ten standings, as a double overtime, 1-1 tie to Wisconsin assured that both teams, 3-1-1 in the conference, trailed only Maryland at the top.
Wisconsin struck first, on the first shot sent forth from either team. In the 21st minute, freshman midfielder Noah Leibold looped in a cross to the back post. Unnoticed by the MSU back line, Matej Radonic lurked behind before emerging with a diving header that beamed back across and into the goal, leaving the midway-stranded goalkeeper Jimmy Hague helpless to the diagonal angle.
It was the second straight game in which MSU had conceded the first goal, and the goal spurred both teams into an attacking mode.
MSU could have answered in the same minute. Ken Krolicki found himself unmarked in the box and snapped a header to the back post went just wide.
MSU could have gone down 2-0 a minute after — junior forward Mark Segbers zipped in a ground cross from the wing. The ball careened to Tom Barlow, but the junior forwards shot shook the right post and rebounded away from danger.
In the 36th minute, MSU would counter with sophomore winger DeJuan Jones scythed into the middle of the field in anticipation of an oncoming pass. Freshman defender Michael Pimlott noticed Jones and aired a delivery his way, towards the penalty spot. Jones' first touch off of his chest was immaculate, and his left-footed shot neatly tucked into the near corner to even the affair.
The early second half jolted to a start. Badgers leading scorer Chris Mueller had a sliding attempt, but it lacked the pace to beat Hague. MSU had both Jones and senior defender Dewey Lewis keyed into close quarters with a chance to score on separate occasions. Jones' shot skated just wide and Lewis was unable to straighten out his feet and polish off the piece of play.
Then, in the 73rd minute, Wisconsin had the best chance of the team for either team. Off an advantage, Wisconsin churned forward and once again broke clean in on goal. Barlow controlled the deflected ball, but from just five feet out hit the ball straight towards Hague. The MSU keeper remained big in net and swatted the ball away.
The tide of overtime rushed back-and-forth, but neither team was able to adopt a steady rate of chances. A 108th minute red card for Wisconsin midfielder Mike Catalano was the paramount of drama, but MSU was too short on time to capitalize on their numbers advantage.
The game ended 1-1, and the draw was MSU's first of the season.
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