No. 21 'Cats Come up Short against No. 20 Spartans
10/20/2023 9:55:00 PM | Men's Soccer
EVANSTON, Ill. — Despite a late rally, Northwestern was unable to find the equalizer in a 2-1 loss to No. 20 Michigan State on Friday at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium.
The setback dropped Northwestern to 9-2-3 overall and 3-2-1 in Big Ten play following the loss.
How it Happened
The Spartans grabbed a 1-0 lead when Sean Kerrigan slotted home a penalty kick goal in the 32nd minute.
MSU doubled the lead on a goal from Richie Ludwig in the 42nd minute, assisted by Jake Spadafora.
Northwestern responded early in the second half when Ugo Achara Jr. pounced on a rebound for his fourth goal of the season.
The Wildcats continued to apply pressure, outshooting Michigan State 12-5 in the second half, but were unable to level the game.Let's Go! ?? pic.twitter.com/abkga1ghp2
— Northwestern Men's Soccer (@NUMensSoccer) October 21, 2023
Game Notes
• Northwestern outshot MSU 14-13 and held an 8-4 advantage in shots on goal.
• NU earned five corner kicks, compared to just two for MSU.
• Jackson Weyman recorded two saves for the Wildcats.
• Ugo Achara Jr. recorded four shots in the contest.
Northwestern hosts Indiana on Tuesday in its regular season home finale at 7 p.m. CT on BTN.
Team Stats

Sean Kerrigan (4)
MSU Sean Kerrigan PENALTY KICK GOAL.
31:20

Richie Ludwig (2)
Assisted By: Jake Spadafora
GOAL by MSU Ludwig, Richie Assist by Spadafora, Jake.
41:35

Ugo Achara (4)
GOAL by NU Achara, Ugo.
51:43