Men's Soccer Drops Heartbreaker To Wisconsin

Oct. 11, 2009

MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin's Scott Lorenz scored just over four minutes into the second overtime as the Badgers defeated the Michigan State men's soccer team, 2-1, on Sunday (Oct. 11) in Madison, Wis. The Spartans are now 6-4-1 (0-3) while Wisconsin improves to 3-5-2 (1-2).

"Our guys played their hearts out today," said MSU head coach Damon Rensing. "Credit Wisconsin, it usually comes down to one play in overtime and they made it."

Junior Jeff Ricondo gave the Spartans an early led when he scored on a shot from 20 yards out at the 5:37 mark of the first half. Ricondo's early goal marked the fourth time this season MSU has recorded a goal within the first nine minutes of a game.

"We definitely came out ready and it was nice to get one quickly," Rensing said.

The MSU lead proved to be short lived though as Wisconsin responded in the 15th minute as Lorenz beat MSU keeper Avery Steinlage with a high, arching shot. Brandon Miller started the play with a header near midfield and picked up the lone assist on Lorenz's first goal of the day.

The two teams finished the first half with six shots apiece.

Ricondo had a great chance to help the Spartans regain the lead just over two minutes into the second half but his one-timer from the top of the penalty area was blocked and cleared out by UW defender Brian Bultman.

MSU outshot the Badgers, 7-4, in the second half but couldn't get the go-ahead goal. Wisconsin finished the game with a 15-14 edge in shots while Steinlage made three saves.

"The guys laid it on the line today," said Rensing. "We're going through a tough stretch right now, but we'll be ready to get back at it in practice on Tuesday."

The Spartans will next take on Indiana on Sunday (Oct. 18) at 2 p.m. in Bloomington, Ind. The game will air live on the Big Ten Network.