If there is such a thing as taking a positive from a loss, the Falcon men’s soccer team accomplished it yesterday afternoon.

Playing in East Lansing, Mich., BG gave favored Michigan State all they could handle, before falling, 2-1.

‘I think we can take some real positives from the game,’ coach Eric Nichols said. ‘We played 85 good minutes, and for five minutes we were flat. That cost us.’

The Spartans opened the scoring in the 49th minute, when forward Cyrus Saydee scored from 14 yards out.

The Falcons once again showed a lack of concentration by allowing the Spartans to score again just two minutes later. That time, Jeff Ricondo blasted a shot past Falcon keeper Dylan Schoettley to double the lead.

With the score line as it was, and the outcome presumably inevitable, the Falcons fought back, thanks in part to substitute Ahmad Smith.

Smith, who has been played sparingly this season, streaked down the left wing and lifted a shot past Spartan keeper Avery Steinlage.

‘Ahmad’s show was fantastic,’ Nichols said. ‘Jacob [Lawrence] set him up well and Ahmad just slotted it home.’

The Falcons had chances to even up the score in the 75th minute when the Spartan keeper saved shots from both Tyler Deal and Joey D’Agostino.

‘We had an opportunity to cave in, and we didn’t, we kept going,’ Nichols said. ‘We remained committed defensively, but also worked to get back in the game.’

But the comeback was not to be, as the Spartans held off the Falcons for a 2-1 victory.

After beating Buffalo on the weekend, and this narrow defeat to Michigan State, the Falcons will be confident going into their match against Hartwick College Saturday at Cochrane Field.

With the loss the Falcons fall to 2-9-2 on the season, while the Spartans improve their record to 7-4-1.’