Men's Soccer Downs UIC, 2-1, In Exhibition Opener

Aug. 22, 2007

Watch Video Highlights
Coach Baum Podcast

East Lansing, Mich. - Michigan State got first half goals from Kenzo Webster and Rauwshan McKenzie to fight off visiting Illinois-Chicago for a 2-1 exhibition victory on Wednesday afternoon at Old College Field.

MSU took a 1-0 lead in the 35th minute when goalkeeper Chris Austin boomed a punt to Louis Stephens just outside of the box. Stephens found Webster on the left wing and Webster got around UIC goalkeeper Jovan Bubonja to give the Spartans the lead.

Michigan State would extend its lead to 2-0 at the 38:43 mark when a diving McKenzie shot a header off a Kevin Reiman corner kick.

The Flames would score their lone tally at the 47:57 mark when Baggio Husidic deflected Mike Giffin's free kick past freshman Spartan keeper Jeremy Clark.

"It's still early, but I was pleased with how we played," head coach Joe Baum said. "We didn't play great, but we were very solid. We passed and defended very nicely."

Gametime temperatures neared 90 degrees and the heat took its toll on both squads.

"I think the heat and humidity took a lot out of both teams," Baum said. "We've all been training hard and both teams looked tired. The game didn't have its usual zip."

UIC, the 2006 Horizon League regular-season champion, held a slight 8-7 edge in shots. MSU held a 5-0 advantage in corner kicks.

McKenzie had totaled two shots, both on goal, while five other Spartans attempted one. Austin got the win after playing 45 scoreless minutes in goal. Clark played the second half. Each goalkeeper notched one save.

MSU will play an exhibition contest versus Akron on Friday, Aug. 31 in Fort Wayne, Ind., before opening the regular season at home in the MSU/Radisson Soccer Classic. The Spartans' first regular season opener will come against Oregon State on Friday, Aug. 31 at 2:30 p.m.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Chris Austin

Jeremy Clark

Rauwshan McKenzie

Kevin Reiman

Kenzo Webster