PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY — Michigan St. and Rutgers played to a 1-1 draw Friday night in a tightly contested Big Ten matchup that saw both teams squander chances to claim three points. Francesco Di Ponzio gave Rutgers an early lead in the 11th minute, but Richie Ludwig equalized for the Spartans late in the second half to secure the draw. The match drew a modest crowd at High Point Solutions Stadium as both programs continue their conference campaigns.
Di Ponzio's opening goal came early, giving the home side momentum in the first half. The Scarlet Knights controlled stretches of play, with Di Ponzio and Joschi Schelb creating problems in the attacking third. Michigan St. responded with intensity, generating several chances through Peter Soudan and Chimnosoh Okeke, though neither could find the back of the net before halftime. The Spartans' Jake Spadafora and Josh Adam tested Rutgers' defense with blocked shots late in the opening 45 minutes, signaling their determination to equalize.
Rutgers held their advantage through most of the second half despite Michigan St.'s persistent pressure. The Scarlet Knights made tactical adjustments at the break, bringing fresh legs into the match. Schelb had multiple opportunities to extend the lead, firing shots high and wide from promising positions. Yet the Spartans refused to fade, with Ludwig and Oscar Huerta combining to create chances. The match remained tense and competitive, with neither side able to gain decisive control.
Ludwig's equalizer in the 80th minute came when Michigan St. finally broke through Rutgers' resistance. The goal energized the visiting side and shifted momentum dramatically in the closing stages. Both teams pushed for a winner in the final minutes, but neither could find the breakthrough. A VAR review late in the match didn't alter the outcome, and the teams settled for the split of points.
Michigan St. dominated possession metrics, recording 11 shot attempts compared to Rutgers' seven, though the Scarlet Knights were more clinical with their chances early. The Spartans earned five corner kicks to Rutgers' none, reflecting their territorial advantage. Goalkeeper saves told the story of a defensive struggle—Michigan St.'s keeper made three saves while Rutgers' netminder recorded four stops in a match where both defenses stood firm.
Ludwig's late heroics kept Michigan St. from falling further behind in the conference standings. The Spartans, sitting at 5-7-3 overall, needed this result after consecutive losses to UCLA and Kansas City. Rutgers, now 8-5-3, had hoped to build on recent matches but instead extended their winless streak following defeats to Washington and UCLA. The draw leaves both teams searching for consistency as the season enters its final stretch.
Nestor Cabrera drew a yellow card for unsporting conduct in the 43rd minute, the match's only disciplinary action. The physical nature of the contest never escalated into excessive aggression, with both teams focusing on tactical execution rather than confrontation. Brandon Munson, Miles Merritt, and others anchored Michigan St.'s midfield, while Erick Ruiz and Cole Cruthers provided stability for Rutgers.
Michigan St. travels to face Maryland next Friday, looking to build on this point away from home. Rutgers hosts Indiana in their next conference test, hoping to return to winning ways after a difficult stretch. Both programs face critical matches ahead as they position themselves for NCAA Tournament consideration in the final weeks of the regular season.