Michigan State University Athletics
Friday, October 23
East Lansing, Mich.
7 PM
Michigan State University
vs
No. 7 Washington
Photo by: Matthew Mitchell Photography
10/22/2026 3:21:00 PM | Men's Soccer
This is MSU's Breast Cancer Awareness game.
EAST LANSING, Mich. - No. 6/15 Michigan State men's soccer returns home to take on No. 7/19 Washington on Friday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. at DeMartin Stadium. It is also the Spartans' annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. Fans are encouraged to donate tea, lip balm, tumblers, lemon candy, fuzzy socks, or unscented lotion in support of our Spartan Strength Kit Donation Drive. MSU fans are encouraged to wear pink.
The Spartans are 9-2-2 overall and 5-1-1 overall in Big Ten play after a 3-2 win at Ohio State on Oct. 16.
Brandon Troy and Koen Holman will be on the call for the B1G+.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
One more win would give the Spartans the most Big Ten victories in school history. Michigan State went 5-1 in 2008, when MSU went on to win the Big Ten Tournament. Michigan State is one overall win away from reaching double figures in wins for the first time since 2018, when the Spartans were 14-5-4 en route to the College Cup.
ROAD WARRIORS
With a win against Ohio State in Columbus on Oct. 16, the Spartans improved to 3-1 on the road in league contests. Michigan State defeated Maryland in College Park, 2-1, on Oct. 9. The victory against the Terps was the first win for MSU against Maryland since 2018. It also marked the first win in College Park since 2014. Michigan State also defeated Penn State on Sept. 18.
SERIES HISTORY
Washington holds the overall series lead with Michigan State 3-1-1. The Huskies are the defending NCAA National Champions and come into the game ranked No. 7 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll. The series is tied 1-1-1 in East Lansing with MSU earning a 1-0 win at home in 2024. In Seattle, UW is undefeated with a 2-0 mark. In neutral games, the series is tied 0-0-1 with the teams meeting in the 2024 Big Ten Tournament. The Huskies advanced on penalty kicks in Bridgeview, Ill.
Last season in Seattle, the Huskies earned the 2-1 win on Sept. 13 in the Big Ten opener in Seattle. Midfielder Luke Spadafora scored the only goal for the Spartans in the game.
LOOKING AT THE HUSKIES
Washington is 8-3-2 overall and 4-1-1 in league play. In Big Ten action, UW has wins over Penn State, Ohio State, Rutgers and Northwestern. They lost to Indiana and tied Wisconsin. Washington is 6-1-2 at home and 2-2 away from Seattle.
Zach Ramsey has been exceptional on the offensive side of the ball for the Huskies this season. He is first in the nation in total points with 67 and first in goals with 16.
Washington has used three different goalkeepers this season. Stockton Short has played the bulk of the minutes, playing in 12 games. He has allowed only 15 goals for a 1.33 GAA.
The Huskies are coached by Jamie Clark, who is in his ninth season with Washington with a record of 198-75-43. Overall he has a record of 237-90-46 in 19 seasons.
DID YOU KNOW?
The matchup of No. 6 Michigan State and No. 7 Washington is the first time that MSU has faced another top-10 opponent, while being ranked in the top 10 since 2018. That season, the No. 4 Spartans defeated No. 8 Notre Dame in South Bend, 1-0 on Sept. 17.
PLAYING THE BEST
Two of MSU's non-conference opponents are among the top 25 in the United Soccer Coaches poll. Kansas City stands No. 5 this week, while Pitt is No. 17.
LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS
The Spartans are among the leaders in the NCAA in several categories. Michigan State is fifth in the country in assists per game and first in the Big Ten with 3.15 apg. MSU is also ninth in the NCAA and second in the B1G in points per game with 7.62 ppg. The Spartans are eighth in the nation in assists with 42.
Andrew Darakdjian is 14th in the nation in game-winning goals with four, while Richie Ludwig is 14th in total assists with seven.
MERRITT NAMED TO HERMANN WATCH LIST
Miles Merritt was named to the Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List. Merritt is the first Spartan to be named to the Watch List since Jonathan Stout was named to the preseason Watch List in 2024. Giuseppe Barone and Patrick Nielsen were named to the Hermann Watch List in 2019. Prior to that, Ryan Sierakowski was honored in 2017. Goalkeeper Avery Steinlage was named to the watch list in 2010. In 2014, midfielder Jay Chapman was named a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy, becoming the first Spartan in school history to achieve the feat.
DONO CAPTURES B1G HONOR
Dom Dono was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week by the league on Sept. 30. Dono, a native of Plymouth, Michigan, scored his first collegiate goal in the Spartan's 3-0 win over No. 13 Wisconsin at home on Sept. 25. Dono is the third Spartan to earn B1G Freshman of the Week honors. Midfielder Peter Soudan earned the accolade on Sept. 30, 2025 and went on to earn Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. The 2024 season was the first season that the award was given. Midfielder Brandon Munson was named Freshman of the Week on Oct. 1, 2024. Luke Spadafora also captured Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors on Sept. 2, 2025.
CLIMBING UP THE POLLS
This week, the Spartans climbed to No. 6 in the United Soccer Poll and remained No. 15 in the Top Drawer Soccer Poll. They are one of six Big Ten teams ranked this week. Indiana leads the way at No. 2. Washington is ranked No. 7 followed by No. 11 Maryland, No. 13 Wisconsin and No. 19 UCLA.
KEEPING UP WITH DARAKDJIAN
Senior forward Andrew Darakdjian leads the team in scoring with six goals and two assists for 15 points. The two goals against Northwestern on Sept. 15 were his first two Big Ten goals after missing last season with an injury. The transfer from Oakland University has started all nine games this season. He has four game-winning goals this season.
GREK THE GREAT
Junior goalkeeper Jake Grekowicz has had a strong season. In his first season as the Spartans' starter, he has allowed only 14 goals for a 1.08 GAA. He also has earned five shutouts this season starting with SIUE and Pitt. MSU started Big Ten play with three clean sheets against Northwestern, Penn State and Wisconsin. He is tied for second in the Big Ten in shutouts.
AROUND THE BIG TEN
Heading into this week, Michigan State and Indiana are tied for first in the B1G standings with 16 points. Rutgers is third with 15 points, while Washington is fourth with 13. Michigan and Penn State are the final two teams looking for their first conference wins. The Spartans only have three game remaining in the regular season.
Senior forward Andrew Darakdjian is tied for fourth in the Big Ten in points with 12 points (six goals and two assists). Senior Richie Ludwig is second in the conference in assists with seven behind Maryland's Henry Bernstein with eight. As a team, Michigan State is second in the Big Ten in points with 99 points, behind Washington's 102 points.
RISING UP THE RPI
Michigan State moved up No. 8 in the most recent RPI, which is second among Big Ten schools. Maryland is first and No. 4 and Indiana is No. 9. MSU opponents Pitt and Kansas City stand No. 5 and No. 7, respectively.
GETTING IN THE STARTING XI
Seven Spartans have started all 13 games this season, as Brandon Munson missed his first game of the season due to card accumulations against Maryland on Oct. 9. There have been 25 different players that have seen action in the first 13 games and among those 25 players 15 have earned a point. Freshman Ezra Horlings made his collegiate debut in goal in the second half against the Purple Eagles on Aug. 30. Richie Ludwig, Miles Merritt, Luke Spadafora, Conner O'Keefe, Charlie Norkett and Jake Grekowicz have started all 13 games this season.
HUERTA IS CLUTCH
MSU earned a hard fought 1-0 road victory against Penn State on Sept. 18. In the 85th minute, junior forward Oscar Huerta's diving header would be all the offense that the Spartans needed. The play started with a corner kick from Miles Merritt. The goal was the first of the season for Huerta, while Merritt has two assists.
FINDING THE BACK OF THE NET
Fifteen different Spartans have earned a point in the first 13 games. Senior Andrew Darakdjian leads the way with six goals, including four game winners. Senior midfielder Leo Conneh is second in goals scoredwith four. Senior midfielder Richie Ludwig is scored with three goals after the game winner against Ohio State on Oct. 16. Twelve different Spartans have found the back of the net. Overall, Darakdjian leads the team in scoring with 15 points, while Ludwig as 13 points.
THE BICYCLE HEARD AROUND THE NCAA
Junior forward Oscar Huerta caught a lot of attention with an assist against SIUE on Aug. 27. In the 47th minute, MSU scored a SportsCenter worthy goal started by Huerta's bicycle kick pass. Huerta's kick perfectly found the head of sophomore defender Conner O'Keefe for his second goal of the year.
HOME SWEET HOME
This was the first time that Michigan State has started the season with five-straight home games. After home wins against UAlbany, Seattle, SIUE, and Niagara, MSU closed out the homestand with a 0-0 tie against Pitt. The Spartans are 6-0-2 this season at home.
FULL CIRCLE MOMENT
Freshman midfielder Drew Rensing is following in his father's footsteps in becoming a Spartan. MSU head coach Damon Rensing played at Michigan State from 1993-1996. The younger Rensing has seen action in 11 games this season.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THEM
Michigan State men's soccer team had three players named to the 2026 Big Ten Players to Watch List. Senior midfielder Miles Merritt, junior defender Brandon Munson and sophomore midfielder Peter Soudan were all honored by the league.
Merritt, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is in his second season at Michigan State after transferring from Incarnate Word. Munson, a junior who hails from Spring Hill, Florida, started 11 games for the Spartans. He scored one goal with one assist for three points. Soudan, a sophomore from Western Springs, Illinois, was named to the 2025 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He also earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team last season.
'O CAPTAIN! MY CAPTAIN!
Ahead of the start of practice on Aug. 14, Michigan State head men's soccer coach Damon Rensing announced the three captains for the 2026 season in Richie Ludwig, Miles Merritt and Will Eby.
DID YOU ALSO KNOW?
The Spartans added a new member on Aug. 18. Assistant coach Nick Barry and his wife, Maddy, welcomed a Spartan, Charlotte.
UP NEXT
Next week, Michigan steps out of conference play to host Green Bay on Tuesday, Oct. 27 before its regular-season home finale against Rutgers on Oct. 30. Michigan State will celebrate its seven seniors against Rutgers as well.
THE STAFF
MSU head coach Damon Rensing enters his 18th season at the helm of the Spartans. Nick Barry enters his seventh year at MSU. Reid Friedrichs, who enters his fourth year with Michigan State. Friedrichs has plenty of experience in the Green and White as a player, including Big Ten Player of the Year honors in 1996.
Former Spartan Zach Carroll enters his second season as an assistant coach. He was the No. 38 overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls. He earned first-team All-Big honors in 2015.
LIKE FATHER LIKE SON
MSU senior midfielder Colin Arce is following in his father's footsteps. Steve Arce played at Michigan State from 1998-01 when current head coach Damon Rensing was an assistant coach.
The Spartans are 9-2-2 overall and 5-1-1 overall in Big Ten play after a 3-2 win at Ohio State on Oct. 16.
Brandon Troy and Koen Holman will be on the call for the B1G+.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
One more win would give the Spartans the most Big Ten victories in school history. Michigan State went 5-1 in 2008, when MSU went on to win the Big Ten Tournament. Michigan State is one overall win away from reaching double figures in wins for the first time since 2018, when the Spartans were 14-5-4 en route to the College Cup.
ROAD WARRIORS
With a win against Ohio State in Columbus on Oct. 16, the Spartans improved to 3-1 on the road in league contests. Michigan State defeated Maryland in College Park, 2-1, on Oct. 9. The victory against the Terps was the first win for MSU against Maryland since 2018. It also marked the first win in College Park since 2014. Michigan State also defeated Penn State on Sept. 18.
SERIES HISTORY
Washington holds the overall series lead with Michigan State 3-1-1. The Huskies are the defending NCAA National Champions and come into the game ranked No. 7 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll. The series is tied 1-1-1 in East Lansing with MSU earning a 1-0 win at home in 2024. In Seattle, UW is undefeated with a 2-0 mark. In neutral games, the series is tied 0-0-1 with the teams meeting in the 2024 Big Ten Tournament. The Huskies advanced on penalty kicks in Bridgeview, Ill.
Last season in Seattle, the Huskies earned the 2-1 win on Sept. 13 in the Big Ten opener in Seattle. Midfielder Luke Spadafora scored the only goal for the Spartans in the game.
LOOKING AT THE HUSKIES
Washington is 8-3-2 overall and 4-1-1 in league play. In Big Ten action, UW has wins over Penn State, Ohio State, Rutgers and Northwestern. They lost to Indiana and tied Wisconsin. Washington is 6-1-2 at home and 2-2 away from Seattle.
Zach Ramsey has been exceptional on the offensive side of the ball for the Huskies this season. He is first in the nation in total points with 67 and first in goals with 16.
Washington has used three different goalkeepers this season. Stockton Short has played the bulk of the minutes, playing in 12 games. He has allowed only 15 goals for a 1.33 GAA.
The Huskies are coached by Jamie Clark, who is in his ninth season with Washington with a record of 198-75-43. Overall he has a record of 237-90-46 in 19 seasons.
DID YOU KNOW?
The matchup of No. 6 Michigan State and No. 7 Washington is the first time that MSU has faced another top-10 opponent, while being ranked in the top 10 since 2018. That season, the No. 4 Spartans defeated No. 8 Notre Dame in South Bend, 1-0 on Sept. 17.
PLAYING THE BEST
Two of MSU's non-conference opponents are among the top 25 in the United Soccer Coaches poll. Kansas City stands No. 5 this week, while Pitt is No. 17.
LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS
The Spartans are among the leaders in the NCAA in several categories. Michigan State is fifth in the country in assists per game and first in the Big Ten with 3.15 apg. MSU is also ninth in the NCAA and second in the B1G in points per game with 7.62 ppg. The Spartans are eighth in the nation in assists with 42.
Andrew Darakdjian is 14th in the nation in game-winning goals with four, while Richie Ludwig is 14th in total assists with seven.
MERRITT NAMED TO HERMANN WATCH LIST
Miles Merritt was named to the Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List. Merritt is the first Spartan to be named to the Watch List since Jonathan Stout was named to the preseason Watch List in 2024. Giuseppe Barone and Patrick Nielsen were named to the Hermann Watch List in 2019. Prior to that, Ryan Sierakowski was honored in 2017. Goalkeeper Avery Steinlage was named to the watch list in 2010. In 2014, midfielder Jay Chapman was named a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy, becoming the first Spartan in school history to achieve the feat.
DONO CAPTURES B1G HONOR
Dom Dono was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week by the league on Sept. 30. Dono, a native of Plymouth, Michigan, scored his first collegiate goal in the Spartan's 3-0 win over No. 13 Wisconsin at home on Sept. 25. Dono is the third Spartan to earn B1G Freshman of the Week honors. Midfielder Peter Soudan earned the accolade on Sept. 30, 2025 and went on to earn Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. The 2024 season was the first season that the award was given. Midfielder Brandon Munson was named Freshman of the Week on Oct. 1, 2024. Luke Spadafora also captured Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors on Sept. 2, 2025.
CLIMBING UP THE POLLS
This week, the Spartans climbed to No. 6 in the United Soccer Poll and remained No. 15 in the Top Drawer Soccer Poll. They are one of six Big Ten teams ranked this week. Indiana leads the way at No. 2. Washington is ranked No. 7 followed by No. 11 Maryland, No. 13 Wisconsin and No. 19 UCLA.
KEEPING UP WITH DARAKDJIAN
Senior forward Andrew Darakdjian leads the team in scoring with six goals and two assists for 15 points. The two goals against Northwestern on Sept. 15 were his first two Big Ten goals after missing last season with an injury. The transfer from Oakland University has started all nine games this season. He has four game-winning goals this season.
GREK THE GREAT
Junior goalkeeper Jake Grekowicz has had a strong season. In his first season as the Spartans' starter, he has allowed only 14 goals for a 1.08 GAA. He also has earned five shutouts this season starting with SIUE and Pitt. MSU started Big Ten play with three clean sheets against Northwestern, Penn State and Wisconsin. He is tied for second in the Big Ten in shutouts.
AROUND THE BIG TEN
Heading into this week, Michigan State and Indiana are tied for first in the B1G standings with 16 points. Rutgers is third with 15 points, while Washington is fourth with 13. Michigan and Penn State are the final two teams looking for their first conference wins. The Spartans only have three game remaining in the regular season.
Senior forward Andrew Darakdjian is tied for fourth in the Big Ten in points with 12 points (six goals and two assists). Senior Richie Ludwig is second in the conference in assists with seven behind Maryland's Henry Bernstein with eight. As a team, Michigan State is second in the Big Ten in points with 99 points, behind Washington's 102 points.
RISING UP THE RPI
Michigan State moved up No. 8 in the most recent RPI, which is second among Big Ten schools. Maryland is first and No. 4 and Indiana is No. 9. MSU opponents Pitt and Kansas City stand No. 5 and No. 7, respectively.
GETTING IN THE STARTING XI
Seven Spartans have started all 13 games this season, as Brandon Munson missed his first game of the season due to card accumulations against Maryland on Oct. 9. There have been 25 different players that have seen action in the first 13 games and among those 25 players 15 have earned a point. Freshman Ezra Horlings made his collegiate debut in goal in the second half against the Purple Eagles on Aug. 30. Richie Ludwig, Miles Merritt, Luke Spadafora, Conner O'Keefe, Charlie Norkett and Jake Grekowicz have started all 13 games this season.
HUERTA IS CLUTCH
MSU earned a hard fought 1-0 road victory against Penn State on Sept. 18. In the 85th minute, junior forward Oscar Huerta's diving header would be all the offense that the Spartans needed. The play started with a corner kick from Miles Merritt. The goal was the first of the season for Huerta, while Merritt has two assists.
FINDING THE BACK OF THE NET
Fifteen different Spartans have earned a point in the first 13 games. Senior Andrew Darakdjian leads the way with six goals, including four game winners. Senior midfielder Leo Conneh is second in goals scoredwith four. Senior midfielder Richie Ludwig is scored with three goals after the game winner against Ohio State on Oct. 16. Twelve different Spartans have found the back of the net. Overall, Darakdjian leads the team in scoring with 15 points, while Ludwig as 13 points.
THE BICYCLE HEARD AROUND THE NCAA
Junior forward Oscar Huerta caught a lot of attention with an assist against SIUE on Aug. 27. In the 47th minute, MSU scored a SportsCenter worthy goal started by Huerta's bicycle kick pass. Huerta's kick perfectly found the head of sophomore defender Conner O'Keefe for his second goal of the year.
HOME SWEET HOME
This was the first time that Michigan State has started the season with five-straight home games. After home wins against UAlbany, Seattle, SIUE, and Niagara, MSU closed out the homestand with a 0-0 tie against Pitt. The Spartans are 6-0-2 this season at home.
FULL CIRCLE MOMENT
Freshman midfielder Drew Rensing is following in his father's footsteps in becoming a Spartan. MSU head coach Damon Rensing played at Michigan State from 1993-1996. The younger Rensing has seen action in 11 games this season.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THEM
Michigan State men's soccer team had three players named to the 2026 Big Ten Players to Watch List. Senior midfielder Miles Merritt, junior defender Brandon Munson and sophomore midfielder Peter Soudan were all honored by the league.
Merritt, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is in his second season at Michigan State after transferring from Incarnate Word. Munson, a junior who hails from Spring Hill, Florida, started 11 games for the Spartans. He scored one goal with one assist for three points. Soudan, a sophomore from Western Springs, Illinois, was named to the 2025 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He also earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team last season.
'O CAPTAIN! MY CAPTAIN!
Ahead of the start of practice on Aug. 14, Michigan State head men's soccer coach Damon Rensing announced the three captains for the 2026 season in Richie Ludwig, Miles Merritt and Will Eby.
DID YOU ALSO KNOW?
The Spartans added a new member on Aug. 18. Assistant coach Nick Barry and his wife, Maddy, welcomed a Spartan, Charlotte.
UP NEXT
Next week, Michigan steps out of conference play to host Green Bay on Tuesday, Oct. 27 before its regular-season home finale against Rutgers on Oct. 30. Michigan State will celebrate its seven seniors against Rutgers as well.
THE STAFF
MSU head coach Damon Rensing enters his 18th season at the helm of the Spartans. Nick Barry enters his seventh year at MSU. Reid Friedrichs, who enters his fourth year with Michigan State. Friedrichs has plenty of experience in the Green and White as a player, including Big Ten Player of the Year honors in 1996.
Former Spartan Zach Carroll enters his second season as an assistant coach. He was the No. 38 overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls. He earned first-team All-Big honors in 2015.
LIKE FATHER LIKE SON
MSU senior midfielder Colin Arce is following in his father's footsteps. Steve Arce played at Michigan State from 1998-01 when current head coach Damon Rensing was an assistant coach.
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