Peyton Skiver
EAST LANSING — After two games on the road, Michigan State returned home to DeMartin Stadium to host the Northwestern Wildcats. Following a game of continuous exchanging of possessions and shots, the Spartans walked away with another 1-0 win.
The Wildcats fell to 5-5 on the season, extending their losing streak to four in conference play. Michigan State moved to 4-4-2 with efforts from goal scorer Jack Guggemos, as well as goalkeeper Zac Kelly who had four saves. The MSU defense also helped the Spartans to a win, with crucial stops in the penalty box.
The Spartans have struggled to get on the scoreboard all season, scoring no more than one goal in a game. The plague continued tonight, as the Spartans failed to capitalize on the net with off-target shots and missed opportunities.
“We are creating a ton of chances,” head coach Damon Rensing said. “At some point though we’re going to have to score more than one goal.”
After 45 minutes of back-and-forth possession and both defenses keeping a strong front, the first half came to a scoreless close, remaining 0-0.
Northwestern picked up the pace in the second half, getting multiple shots on the net and opportunities from free kicks. Courtesy of Kelly’s numerous impressive saves, MSU kept it a scoreless tie.
In the 62nd minute, Guggemos notched his first goal of the season with an impressive dart to the bottom left of the net. Jake Spadafora tallied his first points of the season as well with the assist.
“I think it’s huge to get other guys on the score sheet,” Kelly said. “It takes some pressure off of one guy, but for us as a team, it’s huge that anyone on our team with the ball can score. That’s what we need. That’s what winning teams do.”
The Spartans will go on the road to College Park, MD this Saturday at 7:30 to face the Terrapins.