Friday, September 26, 2003

After back-to-back shutout draws, the Valparaiso University men's soccer team surrendered three goals on Friday afternoon, falling to Michigan State 3-0 at Eastgate Field.

The Spartans wasted little time finding the back of the net as John Minagawa-Webster fired a blast from the right side approximately 20 yards out and beat Jeff Oleck (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral H.S.) for a 1-0 lead. The margin remained one at intermission despite the fact that Michigan State outshot Valpo 8-4 in the first half and had a 9-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Michigan State (4-2-1) struck quickly in the second half as well as Ryan McMahen scored his first tally of the season, taking a cross from Craig Hearn in front of the goalmouth at the 46:42 mark. McMahen added an insurance goal at the 72:35 mark on a free kick from 25 yards out to conclude the scoring.

The match ended with 1:20 remaining on the clock due to lightening in the area.

Michigan State outshot Valpo 19-13 for the match, including an 11-3 advantage in shots on net. The Spartans also had 11 corner kicks to the Crusaders two. Oleck made eight saves in goal for the Brown and Gold, while Mike Robinson made three stops for Michigan State.

Valparaiso (0-5-2) will return to action on Sunday afternoon when the Crusaders travel to Des Moines, Iowa to battle the Drake Bulldogs. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.