Men's Soccer Wins Fourth Consecutive Game

Oct. 20, 1999

EAST LANSING, MICH. - The Michigan State men?s soccer team (8-4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) defeated Valparaiso (4-8-1), 3-1, Wednesday afternoon in Valparaiso, Ind.

Michigan State jumped out to a 3-0 lead at the half. Junior Steve Williford (Livonia, Mich.) began the scoring for the Spartans on an assist from junior Rick Smith (Tecumseh, Mich.) in the tenth minute of play. Four minutes later, junior John Benoist (St. Louis) scored on his second penalty kick in as many games, improving his team lead in goals to five. At the 33:30 mark, freshman Colin Hamilton (Ada, Mich.) tallied his second goal of the season. Benoist assisted on the goal, tying him for the team lead in points with 11. The three goals in the first half tied a season high for MSU.

Valparaiso?s Ken Kirleis scored the lone goal for the Crusaders on a penalty kick with less than nine minutes to play.

Junior goalkeeper Tim Lieckfelt (Sterling Heights, Mich.) recorded three saves for MSU, while Guido Leon had seven saves for the Crusaders.

Michigan State returns to action this Sunday, Oct. 24 when it hosts the ninth-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2, 2-2 Big Ten) at Old College Field. The game begins at 2:30 p.m.

Game Summary Scoring Summary Michigan State Williford, 9:06 Michigan State Benoist, 13:09 Michigan State Hamilton, 33:30 Valparaiso Kirleis, 82:53

Shot Attempts Valparaiso 4 Michigan State 10

Goalie Saves Leon (Valparaiso) 7 (90:00) Lieckfelt (Michigan State) 3 (90:00)

Fouls Valparaiso 20 Michigan State 14

Corner Kicks Valparaiso 1 Michigan State 7