The Penn State men’s soccer team traveled to Philadelphia last Wednesday to take on Penn in what turned out to be an exciting and physical affair. Despite Penn’s great defense and a second half red card for Penn State, the Nittany Lions were able to pull out a 2-1 win.

Entering the match, Penn had not given up a goal for an impressive 486 minutes. This streak continued in the first half, as neither team was able to put a shot in the net. The physical play began early with two yellow cards for Penn State in the half.

The second half provided more scoring action, as well as more physical play. Penn State finally ended Penn’s shutout streak in the 64th minute when senior Matheus Braga scored from about 35 yards out. Junior Justin Lee picked up the assist on the play. In what has become somewhat of a normality this season, the lead did not last long. Penn scored just five minutes later to tie the match up at one.

Then, in the 77th minute, the Nittany Lions were able to do what no other team has done to Penn this season–score twice. Junior Corey Hertzog made a great run into the box and took a shot that was saved. However, the clearance took a deflection off of a Penn player and went into the net for an own goal that gave Penn State a 2-1 victory.

The Nittany Lions had a total of six yellow cards in this game, two of which were shown to Hertzog. He received his second card with about four minutes left to play, meaning Penn State had to play a man down for that amount of time. More importantly, it means Hertzog will miss Penn State’s next game. Braga will miss the next match as well due to accumulating too many yellow cards this season.

The shorthanded Nittany Lions play their final two regular season games this week, both of which are on the road. Two victories would almost assure a spot in the postseason and would give Penn State momentum heading into the Big Ten tournament.

Upcoming schedule:

Tuesday: at Lafayette, 7 p.m.
Saturday: at Wisconsin, 8 p.m.