The Michigan State men’s soccer team is gearing up for the Big Ten Tournament, kicking off its postseason run on Thursday, Nov. 7 against Big Ten No. 4 seed Washington in Bridgeview, Illinois. The match is slated for 6 p.m. EST.
MSU finished No. 5 in the conference after a season of highs and lows. A promising start gave way to a tough finish. The Spartans concluded conference play with a 4-4-2 record and failed to secure a top four finish following their most recent loss to Rutgers. They closed the season on an 0-2-2 stretch after a 2-0 victory over Wisconsin on Oct. 11.
Thursday’s matchup brings added intrigue with MSU having edged Washington 1-0 in its conference opener. But while the Spartans struggled to find momentum late in the season, Washington surged, entering the tournament on a four-game winning streak.
Questions loom over whether MSU head coach Damon Rensing’s squad can craft a surprise tournament run. One thing stands clear: MSU boasts the joint-best defensive record in the Big Ten, conceding just 10 goals in 10 games. Anchoring this formidable defense has been redshirt junior goalkeeper Zac Kelly, whose 35 saves led the conference. Kelly’s reliable hands earned him Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week honors and were instrumental in several shutout performances.
However, MSU's defensive solidity has often masked its struggles on offense. The Spartans finished the season with only 10 goals in 10 conference games, placing them among the lowest-scoring teams in the league. To keep its postseason dream alive, MSU will need to find an offensive spark.
As the Spartans aim for an upset, the Big Ten Tournament is packed with standout players across the conference. Ohio State senior midfielder Michael Adedokun and Indiana senior forwards Tommy Mihalic and Samuel Sarver lead the pack likely to make an impact. Adedokun topped the conference points chart with five goals and nine assists, while Mihalic and Sarver have powered Indiana’s attack with game-winning moments and double-digit goal contributions between them.
Written off by many after a lackluster non-conference showing, the Spartans bring a steely resilience and defensive prowess into the tournament.
The challenge remains clear: overcoming offensive woes and finding timely goals. But in tournament soccer, with games often decided by razor-thin margins and extra time, a team built on defense can be hard to eliminate.
For MSU, the formula is simple: hold firm at the back, convert chances and embrace the unpredictable nature of tournament play. The Spartans may not be the favorites, but with a solid defense and scrappy edge, they'll look to turn the tide and prove doubters wrong in the Big Ten Tournament.
Support student media!
Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
Discussion
Share and discuss “MSU men's soccer sets sight on Big Ten Tournament run” on social media.
