News Summary
The Michigan State University men’s soccer team achieved a significant 2-1 victory against the No. 5 ranked Michigan, marking their first win in Ann Arbor since 2017. This victory maintained MSU’s dominance over the Big Bear Trophy for the fifth consecutive year. With three goals scored in a fast-paced second half, the Spartans demonstrated resilience and skill, improving their overall record in the Big Ten Conference. The match showcased intense rivalry and sets the stage for upcoming games, highlighting MSU’s competitive spirit moving forward.
Ann Arbor, Michigan – The Michigan State University (MSU) men’s soccer team secured a remarkable 2-1 victory against the No. 5 ranked Michigan on September 26, 2025. This win represents MSU’s first triumph against Michigan in Ann Arbor since 2017, preserving their hold on the Big Bear Trophy for the fifth consecutive year.
With this victory, the Spartans’ overall record improved to 5-4-0 and 2-2-0 in the Big Ten Conference. Conversely, the Wolverines suffered their first defeat of the season, dropping their overall record to 5-1-2 and 2-1-0 in the conference.
The excitement of the match was heightened by a sellout crowd at the U-M Soccer Stadium, showcasing the fierce rivalry between the two teams. All three goals scored in the contest came within a narrow 14-minute window during the second half, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
Match Highlights
The first goal of the match was netted by MSU’s Miles Merritt, who successfully converted a penalty kick in the 51st minute, marking his third goal of the season. However, Michigan quickly equalized just five minutes later in the 56th minute with an own goal, a deflection during Shuma Sasaki’s attempt redirected off a Spartan defender.
The defining moment came in the 64th minute when Richie Ludwig scored the winning goal for the Spartans, with assistance from Chimnosoh Okeke. This pivotal goal reaffirmed MSU’s offensive capabilities and presented a significant psychological boost in a high-pressure match.
Defensive Performance
In addition to the offensive achievements, the MSU defense showcased commendable resilience. Standout performances by goalkeeper Zac Kelly were instrumental in maintaining the lead against Michigan’s numerous counterattacks. Kelly’s solid goalkeeping efforts contributed to keeping the scoreline intact despite Michigan’s attempts to press for an equalizer.
Coach’s Perspective and Upcoming Matches
MSU’s coach, Damon Rensing, acknowledged the team’s excellent performance throughout the match, underscoring the importance of the victory not just for the scoreboard but for maintaining pride in their rivalry and holding onto the Big Bear Trophy.
Looking ahead, the Spartans will host Penn State on October 3, 2025, at DeMartin Stadium, furthering their pursuit of success in the conference.
This victory against a ranked opponent and the celebrated rivalry win over Michigan serve as significant milestones for MSU’s men’s soccer program, instilling confidence in the team as they continue their season in the Big Ten. The achievement of back-to-back wins against top-five teams also marks a historic first for the program as they navigate towards the upcoming challenges.
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Additional Resources
- MSU Spartans
- Michigan Wolverines
- Lansing State Journal
- MLive
- Wikipedia: Michigan State Spartans Men’s Soccer
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