EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN: After an intense battle at DeMartin Stadium, BGSU men’s soccer (2-0-0) got their first road win of the season with a 1-0 victory over the Michigan State Spartans (0-1-1).
FIRST HALF
It was an even opening first 45′ between the two sides, with both teams creating chances and battling in possession. The first big opportunity in the game for the Falcons came in the fifth minute of the match, with sophomore midfielder Anthony Hernandez striking a ball from outside the box but sailing the ball over the crossbar.
After some back-and-forth action throughout the half, fifth-year goalkeeper Brendan Graves made a huge save in the 42nd minute to keep it 0-0.
As both teams went into the locker room, Michigan State outshot Bowling Green in the first half six to five. Both goalkeepers Graves and Zac Kelly were each called upon to make two saves.
SECOND HALF
In the second half, the physicality started picking up as both teams were searching for the opening goal of the match.
Bowling Green would break through in the 71st minute with what would end up being the game-winning goal. Sophomore forward Bennett Painter headed home the goal off a cross from fifth-year defender Kyle Cusimano to give the Falcons the lead.
Graves came up huge once again in the second half, coming off his line to clear the ball away in the 75th minute and then punching the ball away in a crowded box in the 85th.
After a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) sequence took place with four seconds left on the clock, a foul was awarded to Michigan State that ended up being just outside the 18-yard box. This led to a shot from the Spartans’ Shion Soga; however, it was off-target.
As the final whistle sounded, Bowling Green would earn their first shutout and second win of the season.
REVIEW OF THE GAME
Another huge win for the Falcons, who have already equaled their amount of road wins from last season.
Taking down a Big Ten opponent is always something to be proud of, but this was a hard-fought and gritty performance from the Falcons. These types of performances on the road are what good teams do.
Graves stood on his head in the match. You can make a real argument that he has been the biggest reason for Bowling Green’s two wins to start the season. With six saves on the night and making a fingertip save against Wright State when the game was tied, he’s been a match-winner.
Painter has also been in great form; the sophomore now has two goals in two games this year and has looked very dangerous on the flank and up top for the Falcons.
Michigan State outshot Bowling Green 19 to nine, with six shots on goal to BG’s five. The Orange and Brown also had five corner kicks throughout the night compared to MSU’s two.
There were 19 fouls called throughout the game, 10 for Michigan State and nine for Bowling Green.
Up next, the Falcons will continue on the road, taking on IU Indianapolis (formerly IUPUI) for their third game of the season on Friday, Aug. 30. Kick-off for the match is set for 7:00 p.m.
