Air Force Battles Michigan State to Draw, 1-1

EAST LANSING – An incredible effort in a match 51 years in the making ended in a tie, 1-1, between Air Force and Michigan State, Friday evening at DeMartin Stadium. The Falcons, earning their first positive result of the season, improved to 0-3-1. The Spartans, frustrated exiting the pitch, are now 1-2-2 on the 2024 campaign.

For the third time this season, the young Air Force team held a power conference team to a scoreless first half. The tenacity of the Air Force defense, anchored by sophomore Noah Higbie and freshmen Kyle Skevington and Brody Smith, set the tone for a long night for the Spartans.

Michigan State was the first to strike in the 60^th minute as Shion Soga assisted Jonathan Stout in his first goal this season. A mere 27 seconds later, Ben Wunsch dished a brilliant through-the-legs assist to sophomore Ridge Owen who finished to the left side of the frame to equalize in the 60^th minute. The goal marked the first of Owens' collegiate career while Wunsch was credited with his second career assist, first of the season.

With a breath of fresh air and a pulsing will to fight, the Falcons put the pressure on the Spartans, controlling the attack in the waning phase of the match. Air Force, who had its best chances to score in the first five and last five minutes, played a defensive match in their own third for well over 70 minutes, denying the Spartans a game-winning goal in the effort.

The Falcons only took one shot in the first half but was the first of both teams to put a shot on goal (46'). A testament to squad's grit, AF put up nine shots in the second half as they fought for a win.

At the expiration of time, MSU ended the match on their heels while the Falcons had plenty of fuel left in the tank.

In his first collegiate start, freshman goalie Brody Smith made two critical saves, braced by a stout defense and midfield who helped keep the game even. Sophomore midfielder Sean Flynn stepped up in a big way to make a save in a critical moment of the match.

"The boys are fighters," said head coach Kevin Doyle. "I love it!"

Next up, the Falcons travel to Kalamazoo to take on No. 4 Western Michigan, Sunday afternoon. Action at WMU Soccer Complex is slated for a 1 p.m. ET start.

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