Michigan State University
New Hampshire
Spartans Down New Hamshire, 2-1
9/7/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Sept. 7, 2007
BURLINGTON, Vt. - Junior Doug DeMartin and senior Kenzo Webster scored goals and senior goalkeeper Chris Austin notched five saves as the Michigan State men's soccer team defeated New Hampshire, 2-1, in the first match of the Nike Soccer Festival at the University of Vermont. The Spartans move to 3-0 on the season while the Wildcats fall to 0-2-1.
DeMartin, who found the back of the net once in each of MSU's two wins last weekend, gave MSU a 1-0 lead at the 21:28 mark. DeMartin's tally, his third of the season, came off a shot from 22 yards out from the right side of the top of the box.
"Doug had a couple of nice strikes but their keeper had some great saves," head coach Joe Baum said. "I felt Doug was strong throughout the whole match."
In the match's 29th minute, New Hampshire's Mike Davis got the equalizer on a point-blank volley following a free kick. UNH's Adam Marcellus assisted on the tally. The goal was the first the Spartans have allowed this season and tied the match at the intermission.
"We had our heads down a bit, but I told the guys there was no way we'd go all year without giving up a goal, so deal with it," Baum said. "Then it was time to go to work and win the match."
Webster, MSU's leading scorer in 2006, scored the game-winner at 50:38 on a shot from 15 yards out in the right side of the box.
The two teams were evenly-matched, statistically, with Michigan State owning a slight 10-9 edge in shots. New Hampshire held a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks.
New Hampshire was difficult to play against. We had to defend with a lot of passion because they were playing some direct balls that we're not used to seeing," Baum said. "But we played with good composure and good team defense. We were steady and solid and preserved the win."
New Hampshire's Mike Jenne notched six saves in goal for the Wildcats.
Baum will shoot for win No. 300 on Sunday against host Vermont beginning at 1:15 p.m.
