Sophomore defender Jeremy Sharp (17) and sophomore forward Jake Spadafora (22) celebrate a hard play during a game against University of Dayton at DeMartin Soccer Complex on Sept. 7, 2023.
Five members of the MSU Men’s Soccer team earned postseason recognition this Friday from the Big Ten Conference.
Sophomore forward Jonathan Stout earned himself a spot in the All-Big Ten first-team. The first Spartan to earn the honor since Jack Beck and Fatari Mutatu in 2021. This honor adds to Stout's already impressive catalog which includes Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Year, and a spot in the All-Freshman Team last season. Stout finished the regular season with Five goals.
The second Spartan to earn recognition also garnered a spot in the All-Freshman team last season. Sophomore forward Jake Spadafora scored three goals on the season along with one assist on the way to earning a spot in the All-Big Ten second-team.
The final sophomore to earn recognition this season is defender Jeremy Sharp. Sharp joined Spadafora on the All-Big Ten second team off the back of a remarkable sophomore campaign. Sharp was a key member of the Spartan backline that only lost one game this season, while also providing on the offensive end with five assists on the season—good enough for third in the Big Ten.
Freshman defender Will Eby also earned Big Ten honors and continued the streak of Spartans in the Big Ten All-Freshman team. Eby was an integral part of the Spartan backline registering the second most minutes on the team only behind redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Zac Kelly. Eby also added two goals to his name on the season capping off what has been a remarkable freshman campaign.
The final Spartan to earn recognition was senior midfielder Jack Zugay. Zugay was one of nine players to earn the Sportsmanship Award which is given out to student-athletes who distinguish themselves through good sportsmanship and ethical behavior. Zugay earned the honor for the Spartans.
Coach of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Defender of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year all go went to members of Penn State. Going to Jeff Cook, Peter Mangione, Femi Awodesu and Kris Shakes in their respective order. Ohio State’s Laurence Wooten captured midfielder of the year honors for a second consecutive season.
The Spartans prepare to kick off their Big Ten Tournament campaign tonight Friday, Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m. when they host sixth-seeded Ohio State in the Quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament. Streaming will be available on Big Ten Plus.
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