After a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 victory over their rivals Wright State, Bowling Green men’s soccer (1-0-0) travels up north to take on Michigan State (0-0-1) for their second game of the season.
Kick-off for the match is set for 7 p.m. at DeMartin Stadium in East Lansing.
SERIES HISTORY
This is the 51st all-time meeting between the Falcons and the Spartans. Bowling Green trails the all-time series 17-26-7. Last year, Michigan State defeated BG 3-0.
The last time the Falcons defeated the Spartans was in 2021 when they won 3-0 at DeMartin Stadium.
BOWLING GREEN
Safe to say last Friday was a night to remember for the Falcons. The Orange and Brown were down 2-0 after a lackluster first half against Wright State. But after some talk at halftime, Bowling Green came out on fire in the second 45′, scoring three unanswered goals that came from junior striker Trace Terry, an own goal, and sophomore forward Bennett Painter.
A win in front of a packed house at Cochrane Stadium, taking back the I-75 Cup, and a 1-0-0 start to the season has the vibes at a high for the Falcons right now.
While it’s a short sample size, Terry and Painter are in great form as of right now. Along with fifth-year goalkeeper Brendan Graves, who came up with a massive save last game when the score was still 2-2.
The Falcons were without Mads Christensen in the first game, who started all 18 matches last season. Midfielders Jake Bergin and Taylor Dyson filled in at Christensen’s usual role with the Falcons, and both played extremely well in the middle of the pitch coming off the bench.
Switching gears to Michigan State, their team that has given BG trouble in the past. But the Falcons have always been up to the test against the Spartans. But it’s no secret the Falcons will need a big team performance on the road to secure a victory.
MICHIGAN STATE
The Spartans are coming off a 1-1 draw against nationally ranked #25 SIUE in Illinois. Midfielder Sean Kerrigan scored from the penalty spot in the first half, but SIUE answered back with a goal of their own in the second.
Michigan State was picked to finish fifth in the Big Ten Men’s Soccer Preseason Poll after the Spartans chalked up a (7-2-7) overall record in 2023 and (3-1-4) in conference play. Their season ended in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Men’s Soccer Tournament, losing 1-0 to Ohio State at home.
Last season defensively, the Spartans only gave up 15 goals, which was tied for the best in the Big Ten. On the other side, they scored 23 goals, which was good for fifth-best in the conference.
It’s also worth noting that Michigan State won the 2024 College Spring League after defeating powerful Marshall 2-1 at Historic Crew Stadium.
FALCON FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
Forward: #12, Bennett Painter, Bowling Green
After scoring the game-winning goal against Wright State, Painter’s speed and pressing abilities up top will be key for Bowling Green on the offensive end against MSU.
Defender: #2, Kyle Cusimano, Bowling Green
Cusimano was solid in the backline for The Orange and Brown’s last match; his ability to get forward and make over-lapping runs on the left flank for the Falcons can also help create danger in attack.
Midfielder: #6 Jonathan Stout, Michigan State
Coming off a five-goal season and was also a part of the three-way tie for the 2024 College Spring League Golden Boot with four goals, Stout is extremely crucial for the Spartans. His play in the middle of the field will be huge on Monday.
Forward: #22, Jake Spadafora, Michigan State
Spadafora was named to the Big Ten 2024 Players to Watch List after scoring three goals in his sophomore season. The junior forward from Northville is a player to highlight on the front line for the Spartans.
