STATE COLLEGE, PA. -- For the first time in the 11-year history of the Michigan men’s soccer program, the Wolverines are champions of the Big Ten Conference. After finishing tied for second in the running for the regular season title, the Wolverines claimed a share of the conference crown after winning the Big Ten Tournament on Sunday.

Led by two goals from senior Justin Meram, and one from each of the Saad brothers, Soony and Hamoody, Michigan defeated tournament host Penn State 4-1 at Jeffrey Field in the finals.

Michigan got on the board early when Big Ten Freshman of the Year Soony Saad won a misplayed a ball from the Penn State keeper and buried a shot just four minutes, nine seconds into the game. It was Saad’s third goal of the tournament and 18th on the season, which is the most in the nation.

Less than 10 minutes minutes later Justin Meram put the Wolverines ahead 2-0 after his shot from just outside the 18-yard box found the back of the net. Meram had been red-carded in Michigan’s opening round tournament game against Michigan State for excessive celebration after scoring a goal, but made sure no such call would befall him on Sunday, walking straight to the Michigan bench and shaking hands with his teammates with no emotion on his face after the goal.

Meram couldn’t help but show a little flare after scoring his second goal of the game, however. After carrying the ball 80 yards down the field and burying a left-footed shot to put Michigan ahead 3-0 in the 31st minute, Meram did his own personal rendition of “ The Dougie” for the Michigan bench and the fans in attendance.

Penn State closed the gap to 3-1 before the half, but the Wolverines’ onslaught of the Penn State goal continued in the second half when Meram put a shot on goal in the 53rd minute. Penn State defender Brian Forgue stopped the ball on the goal line with his hand and was red carded as a result. Hamoody Saad buried the ensuing penalty kick for the final goal of the game.

In the 20 years of the Big Ten Tournament, never had a final been decided by more than one goal before Sunday. Michigan’s four goals was most ever scored by a team in a Big Ten Tournament final. With its 14th win of the season, Michigan is now tied with the 2003 squad for the most in program history.

Though Michigan was already all but guaranteed a spot in next week’s NCAA Tournament, the victory earns the Wolverines the Big Ten’s automatic tournament bid. (MGoBlue.com Story)