The Michigan State Spartans men’s soccer team is set to clash with the Washington Huskies in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m. ET at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. This pivotal match features the No. 5-seeded Spartans against the No. 4-seeded Huskies, who are making their debut appearance in the Big Ten Tournament.
Michigan State’s 2023 Season Review
The Spartans wrapped up their regular season with a 5-7-4 general record and a 4-4-2 mark in Big Ten play. Their final regular-season match on Nov. 3 ended in a 1-0 defeat to Rutgers, leaving them with mixed feelings heading into the tournament. Despite this setback, Michigan State is determined to earn its first Big Ten Tournament victory since 2016 and break its streak of early exits.
Looking Back: Spartans’ Tournament History
The Spartans have faced challenges in the Big Ten Tournament in recent years. In 2022, they entered as the No. 3 seed but were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Ohio State, falling 1-0. Michigan State is aiming to avoid a repeat of this early exit and finally advance beyond the quarterfinals. The Spartans’ last successful run in Illinois came in 2012 when they won the Big Ten Tournament with a golden goal by Sean Conerty.
Michigan State Spartans Vs. Washington Huskies (image via Getty)Washington Huskies’ Impressive Form
Washington enters the quarterfinals on a four-match winning streak, propelling them to a No. 19 ranking in the United Soccer Coaches poll. The Huskies secured their tournament berth with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over UCLA on Nov. 3. Key players for Washington include Charlie Kosakoff and Peter Kingston, both of whom have contributed 14 points this season, and goalkeeper Jadon Bowton, who has been impressive with a 1.00 goals-against average (GAA).
Head-to-Head Matchup: Michigan State vs. Washington
Michigan State holds a 1-0 advantage over Washington from their earlier meeting this season, with Jonathan Stout scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory. However, Washington leads the all-time series 2-1-1, having defeated the Spartans 4-1 in their most recent encounter in 2022. The teams also met in the 2014 NCAA Tournament, where Michigan State triumphed in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.
Recent Spartan Performance and Challenges
Michigan State has had a mixed record in recent matches, with a win over Wisconsin on Oct. 11 followed by two draws and two losses. The Spartans’ loss to Rutgers was particularly tough, as they missed a penalty kick in the final minute that would have leveled the score. This missed opportunity has added extra pressure on the team as they prepare for Washington.
Key Players for Michigan State
Junior midfielder Jonathan Stout has been the Spartans’ standout player this season, leading the team with four goals and two assists. Stout has been consistent throughout the campaign, earning double-digit points for the third straight season. Additionally, redshirt junior goalkeeper Zac Kelly has been a key figure in goal, registering six shutouts this season, five of which came in Big Ten play.
Fan Support and Team Stats
Michigan State enjoys strong fan support, ranking 11th in the nation for attendance, with an average of 1,805 fans per game, third in the Big Ten. The Spartans have also proven their ability to compete against top-tier competition, having played six matches against ranked teams this season, securing two wins and two draws.
Preparing for the Quarterfinals: Spartan Focus
Head Coach Damon Rensing, now in his 16th season with the Spartans, has been working diligently with his coaching staff to prepare the team for the high-pressure quarterfinal match against Washington. Rensing will focus on tactical adjustments and ensuring the Spartans capitalize on scoring opportunities in order to break their quarterfinal curse and advance to the semifinals.
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