Former MSU player Will Perkins exchanges jerseys before the start of the exhibition game at Keyworth Stadium, on Feb. 25, 2023.
—Following the tragic mass shooting at Michigan State on Feb. 13, MSU men’s soccer and the Detroit City Football Club (DCFC), who often meet for friendlies in the offseason, decided to turn the match into something more meaningful than a game.
DCFC decided to wear green and white jerseys for the first time ever and auction them off to help those who have been directly affected by the shooting.
“We have obviously a lot of respect for DCFC,” MSU Men’s Soccer Head Coach Damon Rensing said. “Not just how they are as a soccer club as far as on the field but what they do off the field for a lot of causes like soccer or sports and other things that bring people together and I think that's what we wanted to do today.”
DCFC president Sean Mann figured that with the tragedy that struck MSU’s campus, the least he could do was be supportive of the team his club was facing.
“It's not like a typical match today, but I think we've always tried to use the club as a platform for doing good and doing positive things in the community,” Mann said.
Former MSU soccer player Will Perkins has moved on to Detroit City FC, but still feels a huge connection to the Spartan community and was very pleased to be able to play against his former teammates for a supportive cause of his alma mater.
“It shows that even when I’m gone from Michigan State and East Lansing that the Spartan community is still true to me,” Perkins said. “When that stuff is going on it’s hard to know that your friends and family are up there struggling. It feels great to come out here and see the guys again and play for the badge.”
In terms of the game action, MSU was downed by a score of 2-0 off a brace from DCFC midfielder Skage Simonsen. The Spartans defended well in their third and had some quality chances to get on the board, but nothing came to show off their opportunities.
“We wanted to grow and progress as a team,” Rensing said. “And I thought we did that. We definitely had chances. I think not scoring a goal didn't reflect the chances we created. They're a pro team. They're very good. And for us to go out and execute both some things on the defensive and offensive end. I thought it was very good. So, we are never happy with losing but happy with how we progressed and played as a group today.”
To bid on a DCFC game-worn shirt with the Michigan State colors, the link to the auction can be found here. All proceeds will go towards the Spartan Strong fund.
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