No. 18 Spartans Conclude Regular Season With Cincinnati, Ohio State

Oct. 31, 2007

Complete Release in PDF Format

2007 Michigan State Men's Soccer

Match #17

at Cincinnati

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007

Time: 4 p.m. EDT

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio - Gettler Stadium (500)

All-Time Series: MSU leads, 9-7-1

Last Meeting: Cincinnati 5, MSU 2 (11/6/99)

Live Stats: Available at www.MSUSpartans.com

Match #18

vs. No. 23 Ohio State

Date: Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007

Time: 1 p.m. EDT

Location: East Lansing, Mich. - Old College Field (2,200)

All-Time Series: MSU leads, 22-13-2

Last Meeting: OSU 3, MSU 1 (11/2/06)

Live Stats: Available at www.MSUSpartans.com

Kickoff

The 18th-ranked Michigan State men's soccer team (11-2-3, 2-2-1 Big Ten) embarks on a pivotal final week of the regular season beginning with a trip to Cincinnati on Halloween afternoon at 4 p.m. The Spartans then host No. 23 Ohio State on Sunday at 1 p.m. with a winning Big Ten record at stake.

Scouting the Spartans

After losing just twice in the season's first 16 contests, the Spartans have established themselves among the best teams in the nation. Fifth-year senior Chris Austin (0.71 GAA) has played every minute in goal this season, and he plays in front of a defense anchored by seniors Rauwshan McKenzie and John Folino, junior Dave Hertel and freshman Nosa Iyoha. Junior forward Doug DeMartin (11g, 0a - 22) is the Big Ten's leading scorer and MSU's top offensive threat. Senior co-captain Kenzo Webster (4g, 6a - 14), the other starting forward, was MSU's leading scorer in 2006. Junior Zac Scaffidi leads the midfield corps along with seniors Kevin Reiman and Ryan Dick and freshman Spencer Thompson.

HATS OFF TO DEMARTIN

Doug DeMartin has been one of the top forwards in the Big Ten this season, and he was at his best last week against Western Michigan. The Mason, Mich., native scored three goals, running his season total to 11, to lead MSU to a 4-1 win over the Broncos. DeMartin finished the day with eight shots, including five tries on goal. Louis Stephens III also scored in the win, his second tally of the season.

SPREADING THE WEALTH

Nosa Iyoha's tally in the 14th minute against Oakland on Oct. 17 made him the 11th Spartan to score a goal this season. Six MSU players have scored once, and five have scored multiple goals. Seventeen position players and goalie Chris Austin have seen action this season.

NATIONAL HONORS

Chris Austin was named National Player of the Week by the NSCAA on Oct. 17. He made 10 saves in shutout wins over No. 3 Notre Dame and No. 21 Michigan. Soccer America tabbed Spencer Thompson the week's best after scoring two goals in the Spartan victories.

`300'

Head coach Joe Baum is the second coach in Big Ten history to reach 300 career wins, following former Indiana boss Jerry Yeagley. Baum reached the 300-win plateau in MSU's 2-1 double-overtime win at Vermont on Sept. 9. The 31-year head coach, now boasts a 307-219-51 ledger at the helm of the Michigan State men's soccer program.

Up Next

The Big Ten's seven men's soccer teams will come to Old College Field for the Big Ten Championship beginning Thursday, Nov. 8. The tournament champion earns an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.