The Spartans started strong as head coach Damon Rensing brought in junior midfielder Jack Guggemos for freshman forward Mohamed Saad. The shift allowed MSU to field a flexible, attacking lineup. Guggemos and junior attacking midfielder Jonathan Stout alternated in the nine positions, creating an early spark.

MSU took control from the outset, deploying a three-back system that pressed Rutgers high up the field and created multiple opportunities.

Rutgers entered the game off a morale-boosting win against Maryland but struggled against MSU’s relentless pressure. The Spartans held the majority of possession and posed consistent threats in the final third.

Both teams treated the match with intensity, reflective of a Big Ten season filled with fierce competition and high-level soccer.

"This Big Ten is one of the best conferences in the country," Rensing said. "Us and the ACC, we're going to finish in the top half of that, which is huge."

In the second half, Rensing adjusted MSU’s attack, giving Guggemos and senior midfielder Sean Kerrigan free rein to push higher up the field. The Spartans’ pressure continued to build, creating a string of chances that tested the Rutgers defense.

The best opportunity arrived in the 81st minute when a cross by Stout found junior defender Jeremy Sharp, who pulled his shot just wide. Two minutes later, Rutgers capitalized on MSU's lack of aplomb as sophomore midfielder Francesco Di Ponzio scored in the 83rd minute, putting the Scarlet Knights ahead.

MSU fought back in desperation, launching a final charge that saw close chances from freshman forward Oscar Huerta in the 85th minute and Stout in the 87th.

Then, in the 90th minute, MSU was granted a lifeline as the referee called a handball penalty. With Arce stepping up to take it, anticipation was high for a dramatic equalizer. However, as the clock ticked down, the shot went wide, putting MSU’s chances of securing fourth place in jeopardy.

The penalty miss underscored a season-long challenge for the Spartans: finishing in front of goal. 

"We just lack conviction in the final third. Got in those areas enough but just didn't do enough to really warrant a goal," Rensing said.

Despite the bitter ending, Rensing looked ahead with optimism as MSU prepares for the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago.

"Chicago’s a neutral site," Rensing said. "It’s going to be no road. That's what’s cool about the Big Ten Tournament and we'll be ready."

The Spartans aim to channel their attacking potential into results on the conference’s biggest stage, hoping to put their finishing struggles behind them in the postseason.

Ranked No. 5 in the tournament, MSU will take on No. 4 Washington on Thursday, Nov. 7 in Bridgeview, Illinois at 6 p.m.