Michigan State University Athletics
No. 7 Men's Soccer Prepares for Home Slate
9/11/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
MSOC Game Notes vs. Valparaiso 
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The seventh-ranked undefeated Michigan State men's soccer team will host a pair of games at DeMartin Stadium. On Thursday, Sept. 11, MSU will take on Valparaiso at 5 p.m. and will take on Loyola for Alumni Day on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m.
Last Time Out
The Spartans closed out a double overtime match against No. 24 UIC in a 0-0 tie on Saturday following inclement conditions on Friday. Preseason All-American Jay Chapman returned to the lineup for the first time during the season, playing significant minutes.
"We've played three games that count, we haven't given up a goal and considering we lost two seniors from last year's defensive line, I think that's a pretty solid start," said MSU head coach Damon Rensing. "There are things we have to improve on in the back line, both playing out and defending, but I think that's a credit to the whole group."
In the Polls
The men's soccer team held even in the NSCAA Coaches poll at No. 7 following the tie at No. 24 UIC. The Spartans are now the highest-ranked Big Ten team in the nation for the second week in a row.
Michigan State holds the No. 12 ranking on TopDrawerSoccer.com and remains No. 10 in the CollegeSoccerNews.com poll for the second straight week.
In the Big Ten, Michigan State ranks third in assists (5), fourth in goals per game (1.33), and tied for fourth in number of goals (4)
Defensively, the Spartans are the only team left in the Big Ten that have yet to give up a goal and are tied for first in number of shutouts (3).
Scouting Valparaiso
MSU will open the weekend with a match against Valparaiso against Thursday, Sept. 11 at 5 p.m. Valpo is currently 1-0-2 on the seaon after playing three consecutive double overtime games, previously beating Butler 2-1 on Sept. 9.
"We've watched some film on Valpo and they're actually very good, one of the more talented teams front-to-back we've faced this year," said Rensing. "All the way from in-goal to their forwards, they've got two good center backs, some very good holding mids and some crafty center mid and wide players. They will be a very difficult test. They're very well-coached, so we're excited for the challenge."
Valpo goalkeeper Nico Campbell owns two shutouts on the year. Jordan James and Jacob Gandarilla have one goal each.
Scouting Loyola
MSU will take on Loyola at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14. The Ramblers are currently 3-0-0 on the season. Loyola last played in the DoubleTree Hotel North Shore Chicago Classic, beating out Western Michigan and Utah Valley, both 1-0.
Loyola goalkeeper Tim Dobrowolski has yet to give up a goal and owns three shutouts.
Gameday Guidelines
Admission will be free for Thursday's match against Valparaiso.
Sunday's game is part of a doubleheader at DeMartin Stadium celebrating Alumni Day. The women's soccer team will play at noon against Minnesota as part of their Big Ten opening weekend.
"We're looking forward to having all of the alumni back," Rensing said. "We consider Michigan State a soccer family and we live by that. It's days like Alumni Day that you can really see that put into work. It becomes reality. I think on days like this we show how close of a family we are."
BTN Plus Coverage
Sunday's game will air live online on BTN Plus available at BTN.com. The Spartans can be followed on Facebook and on Twitter @MSUmsoccer. Complete coverage for MSU men's soccer can always be found on msuspartans.com.
Next Up
The Spartans will face their first Big Ten opponent on the road next week. On Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m., MSU will take on Maryland in College Park.
