Men’s Soccer Upsets No. 19 Michigan State In Overtime
Penn State (6-6-1, 3-3 Big Ten) welcomed the Spartans to Jeffrey Field Saturday night. No. 19 Michigan State (9-3-1, 3-2-1 Big Ten) has scalped a number of big teams this year, with wins over No. 10 Syracuse and No. 23 Akron. Penn State hoped to pull off the upset of its first ranked opponent this year and scored in overtime to secure the 1-0 win in a thriller.
How It Happened
There wasn’t so much as a shot in the first fifteen minutes of action, but the Nittany Lions had some quality possession against the Spartans during the first half. Penn State and Michigan State each had three shots, but no great opportunities as the game went into halftime tied 0-0.
The first stop Michigan State’s keeper had to make came in the 52nd minute. Dayonn Harris struck a ball from the right flank that looked like a cross, but was heading for goal when Jimmy Hague knocked it away from danger.
Penn State’s defense held firm for the 90 minutes, not relinquishing many chances to the Spartans. This gave the Nittany Lion offense more freedom to go forward, but they couldn’t find the back of the net in regulation for the third-straight Big Ten game as the match headed to overtime.
Riley Grant broke free in Michigan State’s attacking third and set up Dayonn Harris with a great chance to win the game in the first overtime period, but he put his shot from a couple yards out wide.
Dayonn Harris blazed past his defender minutes later and got taken down in the box. The ref signaled for a penalty kick and Connor Maloney stepped up to take it. Maloney struck his shot to the left and Hague came up with a save to keep the Spartans alive.
Penn State had its last opportunity in the second overtime period. Riley Grant delivered in a cross off a set piece from midfield and Robby Sagel rose to head it into the back of the net and win the game 1-0.
Player Of The Game
Robby Sagel | Defender | Senior
Sagel scored his first goal of the season in overtime to help the Nittany Lions upset the Spartans.
What’s Next
Penn State welcomes another ranked opponent to Jeffrey Field on Tuesday. The Nittany Lions will take on No. 23 Akron at 7 p.m. live on BTN.
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