Lansing Sun

Michigan State men's soccer concluded a four-game homestand with a 1-1 draw against Air Force on Friday night at DeMartin Stadium. The event, known as Red Cedar Rowdies Night, was held to honor the Spartan student supporters.

The tie brings Michigan State's record to 1-2-2 for the season, while Air Force stands at 0-3-1.

Despite leading in shots 8-1, neither team scored in the first half. Sophomore forward Richie Ludwig initiated the Spartan offense with two shots in the first 15 minutes. However, there were no shots on target from either side during the initial 45 minutes.

In the second half, Michigan State increased their offensive efforts. In the 60th minute, junior midfielder Jonathan Stout scored his first goal of the year off a pass from graduate midfielder Shion Soga, beating Air Force goalkeeper Brody Smith.

"I mean obviously Jonathan wants to score," MSU head coach Damon Rensing said. "It was good to see him get his first goal of the year, and hopefully that'll open him up and relax him a little more, so it's always good to see Jonathan get a goal."

Air Force quickly responded less than 30 seconds later when Ben Wunsch assisted Ridge Owen for his first goal of the season, leveling the game at 1-1.

Both teams continued to seek a winning goal in the remaining time. In the 65th minute, Stout attempted another shot but was thwarted by Smith.

MSU redshirt-junior goalkeeper Zac Kelly made two crucial saves in the final ten minutes of play.

Overall, Michigan State out-shot Air Force 16-10 and led in corner kicks 7-4.

The Spartans will now travel to face Oakland on Monday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.