Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's men's soccer team is preparing for a challenging week as they approach the end of the regular season. The Spartans will face top-ranked Ohio State on Tuesday, October 29, at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in Columbus. Following this, MSU will host Rutgers for Senior Day on Sunday, November 3.

In their last match, Michigan State drew 0-0 with Michigan in the Battle for the Big Bear in East Lansing on October 22. Currently, MSU holds a record of 5-6-3 overall and 4-3-1 in Big Ten play.

The game against Ohio State marks the first time since September 13, 2015, that MSU has faced a No. 1 ranked team. "The Buckeyes are the first No. 1 team that MSU has faced since falling to No. 1 Creighton," according to information from Michigan State.

Senior midfielder Sean Kerrigan has been instrumental for the Spartans this season, notably scoring twice against Wisconsin to secure a win earlier this month. Kerrigan is second in team scoring with three goals and leads in shots on goal with eleven.

Ohio State currently sits atop both the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Rankings and the United Soccer Coaches Poll—the highest rankings achieved by the program. Michael Adedokun stands out as a key player for OSU, leading the Big Ten with eight goals and nine assists.

Historically, Michigan State leads its series against Ohio State with a record of 29-27-3 but has lost its last four encounters with them. Last year’s Big Ten Tournament saw OSU defeating MSU in East Lansing during the quarterfinals.

MSU's goalkeeper Zac Kelly played a crucial role in maintaining a clean sheet against Michigan recently and has recorded six shutouts this season—five within conference play.

As they head into their final games before the Big Ten Tournament held at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, Michigan State stands fourth in league standings with thirteen points.

Junior midfielder Jonathan Stout continues to be an offensive force for MSU leading his team with four goals and two assists so far this season while also making it onto Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy Watch List—a prestigious accolade recognizing outstanding college soccer players annually.

Head coach Damon Rensing remains optimistic about his team's performance as he enters his sixteenth season coaching at Michigan State alongside assistant coaches T.J Kolba (sixth year), Nick Barry (fifth year), and Reid Friedrichs (second year).