Michigan State University
8-6-2, 2-2-2B1G
Oakland
6-8-1, 3-3-1Horizon
Spartans Stop Oakland, 2-0
10/28/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Behind first-half goals from Ryan Sierakowski and Jimmy Fiscus, Michigan State defeated visiting Oakland, 2-0, on Wednesday afternoon at DeMartin Stadium. MSU improves to 8-6-2 with today's victory, finishing the non-conference portion of the schedule with a 6-4 mark against non-B1G teams.
Oakland falls to 6-8-1 with its second consecutive loss. In addition, Oakland coach Eric Pogue was ejected in the 25th minute, as he was assessed his second yellow card of the match (the first came in the 17th minute).
"I thought that we had some good stuff on the ball, and broke some of the pressure," said head coach Damon Rensing. "We found some seams and got guys in behind to create some dangerous chances. It's a tough game against an in-state opponent, too. "
A rainy drizzle and gusty winds were the teams' constant companion throughout the game, and Oakland was aggressive out of the gate, forcing Spartan keeper Zach Bennett to make a save before the game was three minutes old.
MSU drew first blood in the 13th minute, however, as DeJuan Jones streaked ahead into the offensive third and put a shot on net that drew keeper Eliott Tarney out of position when he was forced to make the save. The rebound came out to the left side and despite Oakland defender Raphael Reynolds laying out to try to stop the offering, Sierakowski finished the play for his sixth goal of the season. Jones and Jason Stacy were credited with assists on the play.
MSU doubled its lead in the 24th minute. Fiscus was in the right side of the box about 15 yards out, and his left-footed offering sailed over the arms of the leaping keeper and sailed into the left upper 90 for the sophomore's first goal of the season. Ken Krolicki and Zach Carroll earned the helpers on the goal.
In the first 10 minutes of the second half, Oakland had a trio of dangerous chances -- Bennett thwarted opportunities for Austin Ricci at the left post, and robbed Nick Strack's attempt from the right side, and then on a screaming shot from 10 yards out ricocheted off of Bennett, Dewey Lewis came up with a big goal-line redirection that kept the Grizzlies off the board. Bennett kept his blank slate going by punching a low shot by Ricci out of harm's way in the 78th minute as well.
Bennett finished his afternoon with nine saves to record his sixth shutout of the season, while his counterpart Tarney made three stops and allowed both MSU tallies.
"Zach was excellent today," added Rensing. "His range on crossing, shot-stopping, and his hands to hold or push things out of danger -- he was a big-time keeper today. That's what you need. Oakland has good, dangerous players. He came up big several times. "
The Spartans now turn their attention back to Big Ten play, preparing for its final two Conference matches. The Big Bear trophy will be awarded to the winner of Saturday's game with intra-state rival Michigan (5 p.m. in Ann Arbor), and MSU will host Indiana next Wednesday in the regular-season finale at DeMartin Stadium (3 p.m.)
Team Stats
Sierakowski, Ryan (6)
Assisted By: Stacy, Jason , Jones, DeJuan
Rebound tap in on far right of keeper
12:25
Fiscus, Jimmy (1)
Assisted By: Krolicki, Ken , Carroll, Zach
Shot over GK from top right corner of bo
22:16
