Northwestern University Athletics
Saturday, October 11
Evanston, Ill.
6:30 p.m. CT
Northwestern
vs
Michigan State
Photo by: Kailey Zagst/Northwestern Athletics
‘Cats Close Homestand Saturday, Host Michigan State For Alumni Night
10/10/2025 2:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Northwestern looks for fourth win in last six games
EVANSTON, Ill. (October 10, 2025) – Northwestern goes after its fourth win in six games on Saturday evening when it entertains Michigan State in a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff on Alumni Night at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
With a victory over the Spartans, the 'Cats can secure an above .500 home finish for the third time in as many seasons.
LAST TIME OUT
Northwestern snapped a brief two-game slide with a 1-0 win over Evansville this past Tuesday, dealing the Purple Aces their first defeat since September 4.
In a game where chances came at a premium, Peter Riesz made the most of his opportunity in the 28th minute, netting the night's deciding goal. Riesz now has four goals to his name this season, a mark that has him tied for the team lead alongside Joe Suchecki. Playing against his former team, Baraka Tarleton was credited with his second assist of the year on Riesz's game-winning strike.
Rafael Ponce de León tallied his lone save of the night in the first half en route to notching his 10th career shutout, a total that saw him move into sole possession of sixth all-time in Wildcat annals.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN STATE
Piloted by long-time head coach Damon Rensing, Michigan State, which has been idle since a 1-0 setback at Penn State on October 3, sits at 5-5 overall and 2-3 in Big Ten Conference play. Prior to falling against the Nittany Lions, the Spartans levied a pair of impressive top-five upsets, knocking off No. 3 Indiana, 1-0, before defeating in-state rival No. 5 Michigan, 2-1.
Bolstered by its aforementioned victories, Michigan State finds itself just a point off third place in the Big Ten Conference standings as the race for the postseason intensifies.
The Spartans are led in the offensive third by the trio of Miles Merritt, Peter Soudan, and Richie Ludwig, all of whom have three goals to their name. Merritt and Soudan, who share the team's overall points lead, have also been credited with a pair of assists. Chimnosoh Okeke has made an impact as a substitute for Rensing's team, scoring a goal and distributing a team-high three assists across 10 appearances.
Reigning Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year Zac Kelly has started in all 10 games for Michigan State this season. Kelly, who piled up a league-high seven shutouts last season, boasts three clean sheets in 2025, the last of which came as part of a five-save effort against the Hoosiers.
SERIES STUFF
Northwestern and Michigan State will battle for the 51st time on Saturday evening. The Spartans have won back-to-back meetings against the 'Cats to stretch their lead in the all-time series to 35-10-5 (.750).
When the two teams clashed last season at DeMartin Stadium, Jack Guggemos' found the back of the net in the 63rd minute to break a scoreless stalemate and propel Michigan State to a 1-0 victory.
UP NEXT
Northwestern begins a two-game road trip on Friday, October 17, traveling to University Park, Pa. for a 6 p.m. CT matchup against Penn State at Jeffrey Field.
With a victory over the Spartans, the 'Cats can secure an above .500 home finish for the third time in as many seasons.
LAST TIME OUT
Northwestern snapped a brief two-game slide with a 1-0 win over Evansville this past Tuesday, dealing the Purple Aces their first defeat since September 4.
In a game where chances came at a premium, Peter Riesz made the most of his opportunity in the 28th minute, netting the night's deciding goal. Riesz now has four goals to his name this season, a mark that has him tied for the team lead alongside Joe Suchecki. Playing against his former team, Baraka Tarleton was credited with his second assist of the year on Riesz's game-winning strike.
Rafael Ponce de León tallied his lone save of the night in the first half en route to notching his 10th career shutout, a total that saw him move into sole possession of sixth all-time in Wildcat annals.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN STATE
Piloted by long-time head coach Damon Rensing, Michigan State, which has been idle since a 1-0 setback at Penn State on October 3, sits at 5-5 overall and 2-3 in Big Ten Conference play. Prior to falling against the Nittany Lions, the Spartans levied a pair of impressive top-five upsets, knocking off No. 3 Indiana, 1-0, before defeating in-state rival No. 5 Michigan, 2-1.
Bolstered by its aforementioned victories, Michigan State finds itself just a point off third place in the Big Ten Conference standings as the race for the postseason intensifies.
The Spartans are led in the offensive third by the trio of Miles Merritt, Peter Soudan, and Richie Ludwig, all of whom have three goals to their name. Merritt and Soudan, who share the team's overall points lead, have also been credited with a pair of assists. Chimnosoh Okeke has made an impact as a substitute for Rensing's team, scoring a goal and distributing a team-high three assists across 10 appearances.
Reigning Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year Zac Kelly has started in all 10 games for Michigan State this season. Kelly, who piled up a league-high seven shutouts last season, boasts three clean sheets in 2025, the last of which came as part of a five-save effort against the Hoosiers.
SERIES STUFF
Northwestern and Michigan State will battle for the 51st time on Saturday evening. The Spartans have won back-to-back meetings against the 'Cats to stretch their lead in the all-time series to 35-10-5 (.750).
When the two teams clashed last season at DeMartin Stadium, Jack Guggemos' found the back of the net in the 63rd minute to break a scoreless stalemate and propel Michigan State to a 1-0 victory.
UP NEXT
Northwestern begins a two-game road trip on Friday, October 17, traveling to University Park, Pa. for a 6 p.m. CT matchup against Penn State at Jeffrey Field.
Players Mentioned
Men's Soccer - Johnson, O’Reilly Power ‘Cats Past Ohio State In 2025 Finale, 2-1 (11/7/25)
Saturday, November 08
Men's Soccer - 'Cats Knock off No. 17 Hoosiers, 2-0 (10/31/25)
Saturday, November 01
Men's Soccer - 'Cats Blank Evansville In Non-Conference Finale, 1-0 (10/7/25)
Wednesday, October 08
Men's Soccer - 'Cats Earn Gutsy 2-1 Win Over Rutgers (9/19/25)
Saturday, September 20
