EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State Spartans started the 2014 season in winning style with a pair of wins.
The Spartans earned a 1-0 win Friday over Southern Methodist (SMU) and a 3-0 shutout on Sunday against Florida International (FIU), who were coming off a 1-0 win over the University of Michigan on Friday.
Recommended Videos
View: Slideshow from MSU/FIU game
Michigan State coach Damon Rensing's team had a strong showing in the opening weekend of the season with four goals and two shutouts. Solid defending by senior captain Ryan Keener (No. 11) and sophomore goalkeeper Zach Bennett helped keep a clean sheet. Keener also scored a header on Friday night, which was assisted by Jason Stacy (No. 20).
Keener earned the College Soccer News National Team of the Week honors for his performance.
The Spartans are now 2-0 and at the top of the Big Ten Conference along with three other teams. They are ranked 10th in the NCAA as a result of their impressive performance. Top Drawer Soccer has also ranked Michigan State as 6th in the nation.
View: Top Drawer Soccer College National Rankings
Sunday's match against FIU started with a PK goal by senior midfielder Fatai Alashe (No. 27) after senior forward Adam Montague (No. 13) was taken down in the box. The second goal came in the 23rd minute by junior defender Zach Carroll (No. 25), who netted his first Spartan goal, assisted by junior midfielder Jason Stacy (No. 20) and RS freshman midfielder Brian Winterfield.
Carroll is a transfer from Virginia and showed that he is fitting in well with the squad and making his mark early.
View: Michigan State men's soccer roster
The 3rd goal was in the 2nd half by Montague in the 65th minute and assisted by freshman midfielder Ken Krolicki (No. 22) and RS sophomore midfielder Andrew Herr (No. 12). The Spartans prevailed in this physical and action-packed game on both sides of the pitch.
Michigan State men's soccer's next test will be 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 at Illinois-Chicago, whose record also is 2-0 at the beginning of this season.
Their next home game at DeMartin Stadium will be 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 against Valparaiso.
View: Michigan State men's soccer schedule
Follow @KellyHaapala on Twitter for the latest college soccer news.
View: College Soccer Section