The BG men’s soccer team lost 1-0 to undefeated Michigan State on Wednesday and tied IPFW 0-0 in two overtimes yesterday, moving its overall record to 3-6-2.

Wednesday, the Falcons traveled to East Lansing to battle the talented Spartans, who are ranked No. 24 nationally. Despite the high temperature, BG was able to stick with MSU throughout the game, but a Spartan goal following a free kick in the first half gave the Spartans the victory.

Yesterday, the Falcons were caught in a defensive struggle on an unseasonably hot afternoon. BG controlled possession for much of the contest, attempting 27 shots on goal, but it was their inability to convert prime opportunities that cost them a potential victory.

BG coach Fred Thompson said his team played well, but also said he was disappointed that they could not take advantage of one of its many opportunities.

“We played alright,” Thompson said. “We were able to create some chances for ourselves, but we just couldn’t score. I think we could have been a lot sharper.”

“I think we played good, but all in all we just couldn’t score,” said Falcon defender Dusko Topolic. “We made chances, but our finishes were just missing.”

The Falcons started the game off with a swarm of scoring opportunities in the opening five minutes, but each came up short.

As the game wore on, the Mastodons were able to slow down the frequency of those chances, but in the end, BG still totaled 27 shots compared to IPFW’s 11.

The Falcons were helped greatly by the defense and the play of goalie Brent Petkus, who took on goalkeeper in place of Paul Shoemaker. Petkus, a junior, tallied seven saves on the day, en route to his first career shutout.

Yesterday’s double-overtime game was BG’s fifth overtime match of the season. The team moves to 1-2-2 in those contests.

BG will attempt its fourth win of the season Wednesday when the team hits the road to take on Cincinnati (4-5-1).