“I just coach the games and the numbers roll along,” Baum said. “I just feel blessed that I’ve been able to work at MSU this long. I love this university, I love the conference and I feel so fortunate to spend 31 years coaching Division I men’s college soccer at Michigan State University.”

In his 31 years at MSU, Baum’s record stands at 300-217-48.

“He was pretty modest about it,” senior forward Kenzo Webster said. “I’m sure he was pretty happy – we all were, too. We’re proud of him.”

So what does Baum think when he realizes he’s celebrated victory 300 times?

“I think it means you’re getting to be pretty old,” he said, laughing. “It’s been fun.”

Baum said it’s also been fun watching men’s college soccer evolve.

“We had some decent players, but we also had some not so decent players,” he recalled. “Now, over the years, the game’s really improved. All the players on the field now are very athletic and very skillful.”

But what makes Baum’s 300th sweeter is how it happened – the Spartans swept two games at the Nike Soccer Festival in Vermont to move their record to 4-0 on the season.

“I thought if we could win two we’d be very fortunate,” Baum said. “We played very well defensively. I thought we showed a lot of determination and perseverance. We just kept working and working and grinded them both out. That’s the nature of our team. I was very proud of them.”

DeMartin

Junior forward Doug DeMartin scored twice in the two games last weekend, including the game-winner in double-overtime Sunday.

“He’s got his confidence now,” Baum said. “When he makes a mistake it doesn’t bother him anymore.”