Spartans Host Oakland In NCAA Championship First Round

Nov. 23, 2007

Complete Release in PDF Format

2007 Michigan State Men's Soccer

NCAA Tournament First Round

Michigan State (11-5-4) vs. Oakland (11-6-3)

Date: Saturday, Nov. 24

Time: 12 p.m.

Site: Old College Field - East Lansing, Mich.

Series: Oakland leads 18-7-3

Last Meeting: MSU 2, Oakland 1 (10/17/07)

Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for children and seniors

Live Stats: Available at MSUSpartans.com

Kickoff

The Michigan State men's soccer team (11-5-4) hosts instate rival Oakland in the first round of the 2007 NCAA Men's Soccer Championship on Saturday, Nov. 24 at Old College Field. The Spartans earned an at-large bid into the 48-team national tournament, while Oakland (11-6-3) received the Summit League's automatic bid. Michigan State defeated Oakland, 2-1, at Old College Field on Oct. 17.

Scouting the Spartans

The Spartans have had one of the best seasons in school history, having spent four weeks in the NSCAA Top 25 and defeating two nationally-ranked teams. Fifth-year senior Chris Austin (0.80 GAA) has played every minute in goal this season, and he plays behind a defense anchored by All-Big Ten senior Rauwshan McKenzie and fellow senior John Folino. Junior Dave Hertel, an all-championship selection at the Big Ten tourney, and sophomore Tim Granaderos are also in the back. Junior forward Doug DeMartin (11g, 0a - 22) is the Big Ten's leading goal scorer and a first-team All-Big Ten player. Senior co-captain Kenzo Webster (4g, 6a - 14), the other starting forward, was named second team all-conference. Junior Zac Scaffidi leads the midfield corps along with seniors Kevin Reiman (2nd team All-Big Ten) and Ryan Dick and freshman Spencer Thompson (Big Ten All-Freshman Team).

MSU IN THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP

Michigan State is 17-8-3 (.661) all-time in the NCAA Championship. The Spartans, making their third appearance in the national tournament since 2001, won co-national championships in 1967-68. In 28 all-time NCAA matches, MSU has outscored opponents by a 59-24 margin and posted 10 shutouts.

OCT. 17, 2007 - MSU 2, OAKLAND 1

Saturday's match will be the second time MSU and Oakland have played this season, as the Spartans defeated OU, 2-1, at Old College Field on Oct. 17. Rauwshan McKenzie and Nosa Iyoha each scored a goal in the first 14 minutes as MSU took a large lead early. Oakland rallied in the second half and scored in the 56th minute, but never found the equalizer.

THE SERIES WITH OAKLAND

Oakland leads the all-time series between the two squads, 18-7-3, dating back to 1974. Before this year's meeting, OU had won four of the last five contests between the two schools. Additionally, MSU has a 5-7-3 record against the Grizzlies at Old College Field.

`300'

Head coach Joe Baum is the second coach in Big Ten history to reach 300 career wins, following former Indiana boss Jerry Yeagley. Baum reached the 300-win plateau in MSU's 2-1 double-overtime win at Vermont on Sept. 9. The 31-year head coach, now boasts a 307-222-52 ledger at the helm of the Michigan State men's soccer program.