Photo by: Josh Walker
Roos Dominate Second Half to Take Down Michigan State
10/26/2025 2:17:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Kansas City scored both goals in the second half, notching its fifth-straight victory
EAST LANSING, Mich. - For the final 45 minutes of Kansas City Men's Soccer's (9-2-4, 3-1-0 Summit) victory over Michigan State (5-7-2, 2-4-2 Big Ten) this afternoon, the Roos were completely dominant in all facets of the game. The Roos scored both of their goals, controlled possession and did not allow a Spartan shot on-goal in the second half, riding the 2-0 decision to their fifth-straight win.
Kansas City picks up just the second-ever win in program history against a Big Ten program. The first was also a 2-0 decision, defeating Northwestern in the early days of the 2017 season. The Roos' five-game winning streak is tied for the second-longest in program history, drawing even to the mark set by teams in 2024, 2014 and 2001. The only longer winning streak was a six-game stretch by the 1999 Roos.
After an evenly-played first half closed in a scoreless tie, Kansas City flipped the switch almost immediately in the second frame. The Roos were aggressive coming out the gate, earning a pair of corners in the 48th and 49th minutes. The second corner resulted in the opening goal, as an out-swinging kick by Timothy Ospina rolled across the box, finding Raphael Kistmann for a simple finish near the penalty spot.
Kistmann has scored in three-straight games for the Roos, his only three goals on the season. His emergence has come at the perfect time for Kansas City, moving into a tie for the second-most goals scored this season by a Roo. He ended the day with 55 minutes played, his second-longest shift of the season.
The Roos' second goal came with some help from the Spartans in the 62nd minute. The Roos sparked a counterattack and moved quickly forward, Wade Muttitt pushing his way into the attacking third. He played a ball back to Kevin Nkumu, taking a one-time ball towards the goal. Kistmann was there again and attempted to jump in front of the Michigan State defender, but the pass deflected off of a Spartan leg and into the net for an own goal.
Marc Popow secured his sixth shutout of the season, moving into sole possession of third place in the single-season program shutout records. He was aided by the strong defensive play of Guille Munoz, Bryson Gosch and Wesley Cribb, who each played 79-plus minutes on the day.
The Roos return to Summit League play for the final two games of the regular season, beginning with a road trip to UMass on Saturday.
Kansas City picks up just the second-ever win in program history against a Big Ten program. The first was also a 2-0 decision, defeating Northwestern in the early days of the 2017 season. The Roos' five-game winning streak is tied for the second-longest in program history, drawing even to the mark set by teams in 2024, 2014 and 2001. The only longer winning streak was a six-game stretch by the 1999 Roos.
After an evenly-played first half closed in a scoreless tie, Kansas City flipped the switch almost immediately in the second frame. The Roos were aggressive coming out the gate, earning a pair of corners in the 48th and 49th minutes. The second corner resulted in the opening goal, as an out-swinging kick by Timothy Ospina rolled across the box, finding Raphael Kistmann for a simple finish near the penalty spot.
Kistmann has scored in three-straight games for the Roos, his only three goals on the season. His emergence has come at the perfect time for Kansas City, moving into a tie for the second-most goals scored this season by a Roo. He ended the day with 55 minutes played, his second-longest shift of the season.
The Roos' second goal came with some help from the Spartans in the 62nd minute. The Roos sparked a counterattack and moved quickly forward, Wade Muttitt pushing his way into the attacking third. He played a ball back to Kevin Nkumu, taking a one-time ball towards the goal. Kistmann was there again and attempted to jump in front of the Michigan State defender, but the pass deflected off of a Spartan leg and into the net for an own goal.
Marc Popow secured his sixth shutout of the season, moving into sole possession of third place in the single-season program shutout records. He was aided by the strong defensive play of Guille Munoz, Bryson Gosch and Wesley Cribb, who each played 79-plus minutes on the day.
The Roos return to Summit League play for the final two games of the regular season, beginning with a road trip to UMass on Saturday.
Team Stats
KC
MSU
Goals
2
0
Shots
10
8
Shots on Goal
3
2
Saves
2
2
Corners
4
3
Fouls
16
9
Scoring Plays

Raphael Kistmann (3)
Assisted By: Timothy Ospina
GOAL by KC Kistmann, Raphael Assist by Ospina, Timothy.
49:01

0
GOAL by KC TEAM.
61:02
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
Head Coach Candi Whitaker Full Introductory Press Conference
Monday, April 13
Head Coach Mark Turgeon Full Introductory Press Conference
Monday, March 09
Men's Soccer Highlights NCAA Round Two
Sunday, November 23
Postgame Interview: Coach Pore, Fernandez, and Nkumu
Thursday, November 20





















