Lansing Sun

Senior midfielder Sean Kerrigan's two goals in the first half led Michigan State to a 2-0 victory over No. 25 Wisconsin at DeMartin Stadium on Friday night. The match, held on Salute to Service Day, marked the Spartans' third win in their last four games, bringing their record to 5-5-2 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten play. Meanwhile, Wisconsin fell to 6-4-1 overall and 1-4-1 in league matches.

This achievement is significant for Michigan State as it is the first time since the COVID-19 shortened spring season of 2021 that they have secured at least four Big Ten victories. It also marks the first time since 2018 that they have achieved this during a regular season.

"It feels great, two goals in one half, what do you know? And they were great goals," said MSU head coach Damon Rensing. "Kerrigan had two great finishes, but you know the passes from Stout and Ludwig were also great, and it started when Spadafora started one, so it felt great."

The Spartans dominated possession early on. Kerrigan opened the scoring in the seventh minute with his second goal of the season after receiving a pass from Jonathan Stout via Levin Gerhardt. Kerrigan added another goal in the 21st minute with assistance from Jake Spadafora and Richie Ludwig.

"Obviously, I am happy with the goals, but I think they were great team goals at the end of the day," Kerrigan commented. "Stout and Richie (Ludwig) pulled the balls perfectly to me I just had to put the final touch on them."

Despite Wisconsin's strong efforts in the second half with three shots within twelve minutes, redshirt-junior goalkeeper Zac Kelly maintained a clean sheet for Michigan State. This game marked Kelly's fifth shutout of the season.

Wisconsin out-shot Michigan State 12-6 and had eight corner kicks compared to MSU's two. However, MSU managed to keep Dean Boltz, Big Ten's leading scorer, off their scoreboard.

Michigan State will face Indiana next on Friday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.