The Spartans are ranked for the first time in three years. With newfound expectations and confidence, MSU is making it look easy, albeit against lesser opponents.

MSU controlled the match from the opening whistle, maintaining possession in the final third and creating chances at a high rate. Recording 13 shots in the first half, MSU recycled the ball whenever a chance didn’t appear to keep the pressure on the Purple Eagles. Niagara soaked up the pressure and allowed the Spartans to attack while attempting to break up their momentum with heavy fouling. The Purple Eagles racked up 19 fouls, giving MSU plenty of chances to capitalize on set pieces. MSU responded in kind, recording 13. 

“It’s a gift to be able to score, assist and just play the game I love,” Soudan said. “The biggest thing is we’re all unselfish and playing for each other. We want that extra pass to give the guy the best chance to score and we don’t really care who scores.”

The Spartans found their opener through sophomore defender Conner O’Keefe, who forced the ball over the line following a dangerous free kick from senior forward Richie Ludwig in the 24th minute.

Soudan doubled MSU’s lead in the 31st minute with a neat finish after quick build-up play by the Spartans. Junior midfielder Andrew Darakdjian played the crucial ball into Soudan’s path for a smooth strike. 

Head coach Damon Rensing said Soudan, in his second year at MSU as the reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year, has given the team a lift and contributed to their attacking success. He also recognized returns from injury by Darakdjian and junior forward Mohamed Saad as factors in their increased goal output.

“They were physical, they were making it hard for us and sitting back deep,” Soudan said. “The biggest thing from our coaches is to keep it patient, keep the ball moving; it’ll come.”

The Spartans continued to run riot throughout the first half. Sophomore midfielder Luke Spadafora added a third goal in the 36th minute on a whistling shot past Niagara’s outstretched goalkeeper.

The Spartans found success with quick passing, involving the full lineup in their build-up play. The Purple Eagles could not sustain possession or collapse into a defensive shape to stifle the relentless Spartan offense. MSU completely overran Niagara in the midfield, creating passing lanes and running routes that made it impossible for the Purple Eagles to contain the threat.  

MSU's consistency shined in the second half. The Spartans brought their total to 21 shots and nine on target. Senior midfielder Leo Conneh finally got his goal in the 60th minute after four near misses in the first half, bringing the Spartans to 4-0. Soudan provided the assist.

With their final goal, the Spartans followed in the footsteps of their historical record against Niagara, having never scored less than four goals when facing the Purple Eagles. 

MSU’s comfortable lead allowed for Rensing to rotate through nearly his whole squad, including giving freshman goalkeeper Ezra Horlings ten minutes at the end. 

The Purple Eagles shortened the Spartan's lead by one in the 70th minute through Till Rauch, pouncing on a moment of defensive weakness for the Spartans.

While MSU’s early season success has brought attention, the Spartans’ positive results come against lesser opponents than those they will face as the season continues. With mounting confidence behind them, the Spartans have a chance to put new figures in their record book.

As one of seven ranked teams in the Big Ten, the Spartans will have to dig deep to keep finding results as they get deeper into the competitive regular season. None of the Spartans’ next four opponents are ranked, giving them an opportunity to keep building before they start the tougher stretch of their season when they face Wisconsin, UCLA, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio State and Washington in succession. 

“It’s a great challenge for us,” Rensing said. “We’ll be fired up.”

MSU faces their next test when they host Pitt on Thursday, September 3 at DeMartin Stadium at 7 p.m.