Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's men's soccer team is set to commence its Big Ten road opener against Penn State on Friday, Sept. 20 at Jeffrey Field. The match is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Spartans hold a record of 2-3-2 overall and 1-0-0 in league play following a dramatic 1-0 victory against Washington on Sept. 13, with Jonathan Stout scoring the decisive goal.

Owen Cameros and Ben Hoyt will provide commentary for B1G+.

Junior midfielder Jonathan Stout leads the team in scoring with two goals and one assist, totaling five points. He shares the team lead in shots on goal with senior midfielder Sean Kerrigan, each having seven. Other key contributors include sophomore forward Richie Ludwig, senior midfielder Sean Kerrigan, and freshman forward Mohamed Saad.

MSU began its Big Ten campaign against new member Washington on Sept. 13. The Spartans have a strong record in their last ten Big Ten openers, standing at 7-1-2. Last season's opener resulted in a tie against Rutgers.

Penn State enters the match with a record of 2-5 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play after losing to Ohio State on Sept. 17 and Michigan earlier this season. Christian Dionne leads Penn State’s scoring efforts with two goals and two assists.

Historically, Penn State has led the series against Michigan State with an overall record of 26-17-3. Last season's encounter ended in a goalless draw at DeMartin Stadium.

Freshman defender Brandon Munson has made significant contributions early in his collegiate career, including a notable bicycle kick save against Washington that was featured as ESPN SportsCenter’s top play.

Michigan State has utilized six different starting lineups through seven games this season. Consistent starters include Zac Kelly, Cristiano Bruletti, Jeremy Sharp, and Josh Adam.

Five teams from the Big Ten are currently ranked in either the United Soccer Coaches Poll or the Top Drawer Soccer Poll: Wisconsin (No. 7), Michigan (No.16), Northwestern (No.20) among others.

New rule changes this season include stopping the clock during substitutions within the final fifteen minutes if tied or if the leading team makes a substitution.

Senior midfielder Sean Kerrigan continues to excel from penalty kicks, having scored five out of six goals last season from penalties.

Junior midfielder Jonathan Stout was named to the Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy Watch List, marking him as one of college soccer’s standout players this year.

Preseason accolades were awarded to juniors Jeremy Sharp, Jake Spadafora, and Jonathan Stout by the conference office.

Following their game against Penn State, MSU will face UCLA on Sept. 27.

Head coach Damon Rensing is leading MSU into his sixteenth season supported by assistant coaches T.J Kolba and Nick Barry along with Reid Friedrichs who is entering his second year at MSU.