Michigan State University
3-1-1
Loyola-Chicago
3-1-0
No. 7 Men's Soccer Shuts Down Loyola Chicago
9/14/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
"The number of people here speaks volumes about the alumni support we have here," said head coach Damon Rensing. "To see them all come back and support Michigan State Soccer 2014 and Michigan State University is special. I want to thank all of them for coming out."
MSU began its offensive campaign early, grabbing five shots in the first 20 minutes. The chances came from senior Ryan Keener, who attempted two headers in the box, junior Jason Stacy and junior Jay Chapman, who had two shots, the second of which was recorded as the first save of the day in the 20th minute.
The Spartans totaled eight shots during the first half with two on goal. Junior goalkeeper Zach Bennett had one save.
"It was a gutsy performance," said Rensing. "We had some attacking pieces missing with some injuries and everybody else stepped up. We didn't give up any goals. It probably wasn't our best performance, but you do what you've got to do."
Just over 13 minutes into the second half, senior Fatai Alashe picked up a great chance off a corner kick from Stacy, but the shot was blocked inside the box.
The Spartans got the game's only goal when Chapman scored his first of the season in the in 61st minute as he headed it into an open net off a free kick from Stacy.
The goal was the eighth career goal for the preseason All-American. Stacy now leads the team in assists with three.
Bennett picked up his fourth shutout of the year in five games, bringing him to 20 career shutouts, which ties him for the third-most shutouts in school history.
Next week, MSU will play at No. 12 Maryland, Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m.
"We're going to have to keep working with the players we have, because we don't know who'll we'll have for Maryland," Rensing said. "We'll keep working...Maryland's a tough team and in a tough environment, so we'll have our work cut out for us, but I think the guys are excited."
Team Stats
Chapman, Jay (1)
Assisted By: Stacy, Jason
Header from two yards out
60:14
