PORTLAND, Oregon -  Senior Zach Carroll was active on both ends of the field leading the No. 9 Michigan State men’s soccer team to a 1-0 win over Portland in its season opener at the Hensor/Zaher Classic in Portland on Friday. The defender netted the only goal of the game, as well helping MSU keep a clean sheet.

 

“It was a really good result for our program. I am really proud of our guys,” MSU head coach Damon Rensing said. “First, I want to thank the University of Portland. It was a great crowd and great atmosphere. For our guys to come out and play in front of over 4,000 fans and get a good result was impressive.”

 

This was the first time that the Spartans and the Pilots have met with MSU improving to 1-0 this season. Michigan State has now won its season opener for the third-straight season.

 

In the first half, the Pilots applied pressure in the 32nd minute. Portland’s Eddie Sanchez drilled a shot toward the mouth of the Spartan goal. Freshman defender Connor Corrigan prevented the ball from crossing the line, preserving the 0-0 score.

 

The game would remain scoreless after the first 45 minutes. The Pilots out-shot the Spartans, 8-3, in the first half. Senior goalkeeper Zach Bennett had four saves compared to one first-half save by Portland goalkeeper Paul Christensen. 

 

MSU came out aggressive in the second half. In the 69th minute, Stacy showed great power with a header, but the Pilots’ Christensen made another great save. Stacy ended the match with two shots on goal.

 

The Spartans took the lead in the 75th minute. After a Pilot hand ball was called in the box, Carroll stepped in for the penalty kick. Christensen stopped the PK, but Carroll tapped in the rebound for the first Spartan goal of the season.

 

“It was great to see (Zach) Carroll stay with his rebound and finish it off. I thought that we did a pretty good job of killing the game, and walking out with a 1-0 victory over a very good Portland program,” Rensing said.

 

In the second half, MSU went on the offensive out-shooting Portland, 8-3. Seven Spartans took shots, as the shot count ended 10-10 for the match.

 

The Spartans ended the match with four saves, three by Bennett and one by Corrigan. Portland’s Christensen finished the game with five saves. Bennett added on to his school-record career shutouts with his 29th clean sheet.

 

Three freshmen made their Spartan debuts against the Pilots. Forwards Ryan Sierakowski and DeJuan Jones along with defender Corrigan made their presence known immediately.

 

The Spartans remain in the Beaver State to conclude the Hensor/Zaher Classic, which features Michigan State, Marquette, Oregon State and Portland. MSU will now take on Oregon State on Sunday, Aug. 30 in Corvallis, at 3 p.m. ET on the PAC-12 Networks.