Michigan State University
5-1-1
Bowling Green
6-2-0
No. 16 Men's Soccer Downs Bowling Green, 1-0
9/24/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The No. 16 Michigan State men's soccer team moves up to 5-1-1 on the season after shutting down Bowling Green (6-2-0), 1-0, with a goal from senior Tim Kreutz. The Spartans post their sixth shutout in seven games and third-straight victory as they snap Bowling Green's three-game winning streak.
"I thought we set the tone at the beginning of the second half," said head coach Damon Rensing. "We really controlled possession. The back line did a good job of getting clearances and keeping them pinned."
Seniors Adam Montague and Tim Kreutz returned to the starting lineup for the match. Despite shots from Zach Carroll and Jay Chapman, the first half held steady at 0-0.
"I thought the first half was a little sluggish," said Rensing. "Our legs were heavy and that might just be a little bit of a letdown after the Maryland game. We have to give credit to Bowling Green on the counter."
MSU tallied a flurry of shots between the 50 and 60-minute marks with attempts from Fatai Alashe off the post, headers from Ryan Keener and Montague, a shot on goal from Dewey Lewis and two from freshman Ken Krolicki. A penalty kick from Alashe ricocheted off the crossbar in the 62nd minute.
"We came back reorganized in the second half," Rensing said. "Bowling Green did a good job of trying to limit our chances, but the guys kept plugging until we were rewarded with Tim (Kreutz)'s first goal of the season."
Entering the last 10 minutes of the match, a rebounded shot from Krolicki set up Kreutz to score his first goal of the season at the 79:38 mark. This marked Kreutz's 12th career goal and Krolicki's second assist of the season. The goal was MSU's seventh of the season, scored by seven different players.
Zach Bennett now owns 22 career shutouts, just one shy of tying the all-time school record, posting three saves in the match.
"I think we are still finding ways to win games," said Rensing. "I think we're still capable of playing much better soccer and with the large part of the Big Ten conference and some other tough matches ahead of us, that's a good thing.
"It was good to see Adam Montague back in tonight and good to get Tim his first goal of the season. Seeing that, I think we've got good stuff ahead."
The Spartan squad returns to action on Sunday, Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. to take on Rutgers at DeMartin Stadium in East Lansing.
Team Stats
Kreutz, Tim (1)
Assisted By: Krolicki, Ken
Rebound after initial shot by 22 was sav
79:38
