Men's Soccer Hosts Notre Dame on Wednesday
10/27/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 27, 2009
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State men's soccer team will look for its fourth consecutive win when it hosts Notre Dame (9-6-1) at 3 p.m. at DeMartin Stadium on Wednesday (Oct. 28). The Spartans (9-4-1) are coming off a 2-1 win over Michigan on Sunday.
The Last Time Out: Michigan State got two early goals - one in the first half and one in the second - to defeat Michigan, 2-1, on Sunday in front of a crowd of more than 2,300 at DeMartin Stadium. The Spartans are now unbeaten against the Wolverines since 2003 and have taken six of the last seven and nine of the last 12 meetings between the schools.
ND Series History: The Spartans trail the all-time series with Notre Dame, 3-10-5. The Spartans' last win against the Irish came in 2007 in East Lansing when Spencer Thompson scored in the 64th minute in a 1-0 victory.
Common Opponents: The Spartans are 2-0 against Indiana and Michigan while Notre Dame defeated Michigan but fell to IU.
Defense Among Best in Nation: The Spartan defense has allowed a conference-low nine goals in 14 games this season. Nationally, MSU's 0.62 team goals-against average ranks No. 13.
Just three times in the last 26 games has MSU allowed more than one goal while it has posted 17 shutouts in that span.
Spartans Spread the Wealth: While the Spartans haven't scored as much as last season, they have relied on a larger cast to put the ball in the net. Six Spartans have at least six points this season, which eclipses last season when MSU had just five players with six or more points. Rubin Bega leads the team with 18 points (7 G, 4A) while Jeff Ricondo is second with 17 points (5 G, 7A).
Ricondo's seven assists leads the Big Ten.
Saydee Has a Big Week: Sophomore Cyrus Saydee scored two goals and had one assists in the Spartans' two wins last week. Saydee had the first goal of the game against BGSU and then scored the game-winner against Michigan after assisting on Spencer Thompson's goal.
Up Next: MSU will host San Diego State on Sunday in its final home game of the season at 1 p.m.
