The NIU men’s soccer team is ready to show they belong.

NIU is slated to play Michigan State (2-0-0) and Michigan (0-2-0) at the Michigan State Tournament in East Lansing at 1:30 p.m. Friday and Sunday.

“This is the best soccer tournament in the country this weekend,” said coach Steve Simmons.

New Mexico (0-0-1), ranked No. 8 in the country and the 2005 runner-up in the NCAA tournament, will round out the four-team, two-game tournament.

“Anytime we get the chance to compete against a BCS institution is great,” Simmons said. “It gives us a chance to see where we measure up with them.”

Michigan opened the season with a 2-0 loss to No. 17 St. John’s, and is 8-2-0 all-time in the tournament.

Against MSU, NIU will face the reliable Jason Tillman in the net. The senior goalkeeper owned 0.79 goals against average last season, and was the 2004 Defensive Player MVP of the Big Ten Tournament.

NIU will feature a mixed lineup with veteran leaders and talented underclassmen on the field at the same time.

“This is an extremely talented group, but we lack some experience,” said senior Justin McGrane. “If we can get the freshmen and sophomores to believe in what we do, that is the most important thing for this weekend.”

Simmons is looking for organized play this weekend, and wants his squad to be opportunistic around the net.

“I expect a dog fight with Michigan,” the fourth-year coach said. “Michigan State is at home, and they will want to win their own tournament.”

James Nokes is the NIU men’s soccer beat reporter for the Northern Star.