With the first-career goals from sophomore defender Olu Ogunwale, freshman forward Gianni Ferri, capped off by a silencer courtesy of sophomore forward Farai Mutatu, the Spartans defeated Rutgers 3-0.

With many questions revolving around the Spartans offense and their ability to score as the season neared its midpoint, they silenced the critics in this victory.

Michigan State came out rolling on all cylinders, and were able to put points on the board early, reminding their critics that their run to the Final Four of the College Cup was only last season.

Two of the scores came in the first half, something the Spartan’s haven’t done all season. Both Ogunwale and Ferri found the net in the first 45 minutes.  

Ferri’s score came off an interception, leaving him alone with the goalkeeper. Ogunwale‘s goal came off a Mutatu assist just before the half.

Following an impressive performance on the other end by redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Hunter Morse, Mutatu was able to add to the total in the second half, putting the Spartans up 3-0.

Rutgers couldn’t match the Spartan’s intensity, as they couldn’t get anything past Morse the entire game. The game would conclude in a 3-0 green and white victory, as the Spartan’s will be heading back to East Lansing with a win under their belt.

The Spartans made their first victory a statement, putting themselves at 1-0 in Big Ten play and carrying momentum into their next game Tuesday night against another in-conference opponent, Penn State (4-1-2).