Junior forward Efosa Emovon celebrates with the fans after Michigan State University's win against University of Dayton at DeMartin Soccer Complex on Sept. 7, 2023.
The Michigan State Men’s Soccer team has climbed to No. 22 in the United Soccer Coaches poll and No. 18 in the Top Drawer Soccer poll off the back of a red-hot start to the season, including a marquee win against at the time No. 10 ranked Notre Dame.
Their 1-0 victory against No. 10 Notre Dame has been their crown jewel victory of the young season. With the match being decided in the 35th minute by junior midfielder Sean Kerrigan.
On top of the Notre Dame win, the Spartans have collected wins against Bowling Green (3-0), Army (2-1), and Dayton (1-0). Along with draws against Villanova (1-1), and Big Ten competitors Rutgers (1-1) to amass an undefeated record of 4-0-2 so far.
Credit for the rise in ranking must also go to redshirt sophomore Zac Kelly. Kelly has earned B1G Defensive Player of The Week for two consecutive weeks now, thanks to top performances, such as his matches against Notre Dame with four saves and five saves in the B1G opener against Rutgers.
The return to the top 25 of the United Soccer Coaches has taken the Spartans just over 4 years, back when the Spartans held the #16 rank on Sept. 3 of 2019.
The Spartans will look to defend their ranking for the first time this Friday, at 7:30pm when they face off against B1G conference rivals Indiana at DeMartin Stadium.
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