The No. 16 Spartans (11-4-0, 2-3-0 Big Ten) record ranks sixth out of seven teams, one place above this year’s doormat Wisconsin. But the Green & White hold the most overall victories and goals scored in the entire conference and are third in goals against. Puzzling, to say the least.
If one word could be chosen to best describe this year, it would have to be “frustration.” MSU has had its highs (a 4-3 overtime victory over defending NCAA champion and No. 3 Maryland), as well as its head-scratching moments (see the 2-1 road loss to Ohio State). This past weekend’s 3-0 home loss to unranked Indiana, a perennial power that is having an subpar year by its lofty standards, only adds to this notion.
The headaches do not end there. In the 3-0 victory against Wisconsin on Oct. 17, senior co-captain and starter Jeff Ricondo suffered a collarbone injury that will keep the midfielder out of action for an extended period of time. No word on when he is expected back.
In the Spartans latest game against Indiana, a trio of defenders, sophomore Kevin Cope, junior Mark Barone and senior Jake Fullerton, all had to leave the game early due to injuries.
MSU will need to get healthy in a hurry as the squad faces a tough couple of upcoming matches. While MSU already has one résumé boosting win over Maryland, a massive matchup with No. 1 Akron looms as the Zips visit DeMartin Stadium on Nov. 3 in non-conference action.
Up next, the Spartans take on eternal rival Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 30 in Ann Arbor. Without a doubt, MSU needs a positive result in its final conference game before wrapping up its regular season and beginning the conference tournament in State College, Penn. This team has the chance to do great things, but if the Spartans want to challenge for glory this postseason, they must become more consistent and stay out of the training room.
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