EAST LANSING, Mich. - After not scoring a goal in its last two games, a determined Michigan State men’s soccer team struck quickly as sophomore Rubin Bega scored twice for MSU in a three-minute span in the fi rst half and the Spartans hung on to down Valparaiso, 2-0, on Wednesday (Sept. 30) afternoon at DeMartin Stadium.

“I think you have to credit our guys today,” said MSU head coach Damon Rensing. “Sometimes these Wednesday games are tough to come out and be focused for, but we came out and we were very, very sharp. Credit to Rubin on both of his goals for being at the right place at the right time.”

Bega got his first goal of the game in the ninth minute as a result of good teamwork between Domenic Barone and Spencer Thompson. Thompson took the ball down the right side and sent it to Barone in the corner. After driving toward the net, Barone fed Bega on the left side, and he buried the ball. Bega got his second goal three minutes later – also with the help of Thompson. Thompson sent the ball from the right side to a diving Bega who beat Valpo goalkeeper Ryan Schwarz on the short side.

“Both goals were good combination plays through the middle with Dom and Spencer,” said Bega. “On the second goal, Spencer took it to the corner and slotted a great ball across, which I was able to slide to and get a touch on.”

Bega now has a team-leading fi ve goals on the season and Wednesday marked his second two-goal match of the season.

“We have to get contributions by committee and we got that today,” said Rensing. “Even though Rubin got both of the goals, I thought the rest of the attacking corps played well. Spencer, Jeff Ricondo, Cyrus Saydee and Domenic, I thought all played very well today.”

The Crusaders picked up their off ensive attack in the second half, outshooting MSU, 6-1, but couldn’t solve Avery Steinlage and the Spartan defense. MSU has now blanked fi ve opponents this year and Steinlage has four shutouts this season to bring his career total to 14.

MSU (5-2-1) finished the game with an 8-7 shot advantage.

The Spartans will host Penn State this Sunday (Oct. 4) at 12 p.m. Th e game will be aired live on the Big Ten Network.