Friday, October 3
East Lansing, Mich.
5 PM
Michigan State University
5-5-0, 2-3-0
1
vs
2
Penn State
4-4-2, 1-2-1
1
2
F
Penn St.
1
1
2
Michigan St.
1
0
1
Spartan Men’s Soccer Falls to Penn State, 2-1
10/3/2025 10:20:00 PM | Men's Soccer
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Playing in front of over 4000 fans on a warm Friday afternoon, the Michigan State men's soccer team fell Penn State, 2-1, at DeMartin Stadium in their annual Pink Game. The Spartans gathered donations for Spartan Strength Kits for those suffering from breast cancer.
With the loss, Michigan State falls to 5-5 this season and 2-3 in Big Ten action. Penn State improves to 4-4-2 and 1-2-1 in league play.
"We were clearly a better team," MSU head coach Damon Rensing said. "You know statistically 16 to 6 shots. I think we were really unfortunate to not receive the penalty in the first half, and I think their goal was arguably off sides and it wasn't reviewed."
The Spartans scored the first goal of the day in the 39th minute. In a beautiful play that began with junior defender Aiden Phelan finding freshman midfielder Chim Okeke on the left side. Okeke chipped the ball to junior forward Richie Ludwig. The goal was the Ludwig's third of the season.
In the 44th minute, Penn State found the equalizer. Van Danielson found the back of the night off of assists from Caden Grabfelder and Freddie Bell.
"I think we really took some steps forward against Indiana, Michigan. We probably took a little bit of a step back tonight in our box and critical defending," Rensing said.
The Spartans had several chances in the first half and out-shot the Nittany Lions 9-2, but were not able to score the go-ahead goal.
In the second half, MSU continued to apply pressure, but Penn State would break the tie. In the 74th minute, Malik Daouda's shot was just out of reach of Spartan goalkeeper Zac Kelly.
The Spartans ended the game out-shooting Penn State, 16-6, but were unable to find the equalizer in the waning minutes.
"I would personally like to thank the Ludwig Family for providing the pink warmup shirts that the team wore. This game was all about bringing more awareness to breast cancer, and we are really grateful," Rensing said.
The Spartans will hit the road to take on Northwestern on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
With the loss, Michigan State falls to 5-5 this season and 2-3 in Big Ten action. Penn State improves to 4-4-2 and 1-2-1 in league play.
"We were clearly a better team," MSU head coach Damon Rensing said. "You know statistically 16 to 6 shots. I think we were really unfortunate to not receive the penalty in the first half, and I think their goal was arguably off sides and it wasn't reviewed."
The Spartans scored the first goal of the day in the 39th minute. In a beautiful play that began with junior defender Aiden Phelan finding freshman midfielder Chim Okeke on the left side. Okeke chipped the ball to junior forward Richie Ludwig. The goal was the Ludwig's third of the season.
In the 44th minute, Penn State found the equalizer. Van Danielson found the back of the night off of assists from Caden Grabfelder and Freddie Bell.
"I think we really took some steps forward against Indiana, Michigan. We probably took a little bit of a step back tonight in our box and critical defending," Rensing said.
The Spartans had several chances in the first half and out-shot the Nittany Lions 9-2, but were not able to score the go-ahead goal.
In the second half, MSU continued to apply pressure, but Penn State would break the tie. In the 74th minute, Malik Daouda's shot was just out of reach of Spartan goalkeeper Zac Kelly.
The Spartans ended the game out-shooting Penn State, 16-6, but were unable to find the equalizer in the waning minutes.
"I would personally like to thank the Ludwig Family for providing the pink warmup shirts that the team wore. This game was all about bringing more awareness to breast cancer, and we are really grateful," Rensing said.
The Spartans will hit the road to take on Northwestern on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Team Stats
PSU
MSU
Goals
2
1
Shots
6
16
Shots on Goal
3
7
Saves
6
1
Corners
3
2
Fouls
7
9
Scoring Plays
Richie Ludwig (3)
Assisted By: Chimnosoh Okeke , Aidan Phelan
GOAL by MSU Ludwig, Richie Assist by Okeke, Chimnosoh and Phelan, Aidan.
38:49
Van Danielson (2)
Assisted By: Caden Grabfelder , Freddie Bell
GOAL by PSU Danielson, Van Assist by Grabfelder, Caden and Bell, Freddie.
43:11
Malick Daouda (2)
Assisted By: Christian Dionne
GOAL by PSU Daouda, Malick Assist by Dionne, Christian.
73:42
Game Leaders
Shots
3
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
3
SOG
2
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
0
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
mid
Shots
3
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's SoccerDamon Rensing | Men's Soccer Press Conference | Sep. 29 2025
Monday, September 29
Spartans All-Access | Keeper of the Turf
Thursday, November 14
Playing Out His Dream | Spartans All-Access
Thursday, October 31
Coach Rensing | Men's Soccer Press Conference | Oct. 14 2024
Monday, October 14