The #3 ranked Penn State Women’s Soccer team opened their season last week with an upset over Virginia and an absolutely dominating performance against St. John’s. Last night, though, they couldn’t pull off the upset against last year’s national champions and number #1 ranked Stanford.

In front of a record setting Jeffrey Field crowd of 5,117 full of tired students who came after a long day of packing, Penn State was first on the board in the 19th minute thanks to Mallory Weber, who knocked one in the back of the net after Christine Nairn’s attempt was stopped by Stanford goalie, Amy Gleason.

The 14-time B1G champs showed their experience and finesse throughout the match, many describing the team’s talents as identical.

Stanford tied it up shortly after in the 23rd minute from Alex Doll, giving the Cardinal the momentum going in to the second half. They were the first to score after half time, in the 63rd minute when Stanford’s Sydney Payne took it to the back of the net.

Penn State never backed down, though, and pushed through the end. A foul call in the box resulting in penalty kick brought on another goal, and first of the game for Nairn, tying it up at 2 in the 83rd minute.

The momentum was in Penn State’s favor, that is, until a hugely debatable call in the end. What most think should have been a goal kick was ruled as a corner for Stanford, who ended up scoring the winning goal on the play.

Although the upset didn’t come through, this team showed exactly what they’re going to be bringing to the table this season — shots absolutely firing at every opportunity possible and determination to push forward. The game was seen in front their biggest crowd on record and was also aired on the Big Ten Network, giving a wider audience the chance to see what these girls are getting done.

Make sure you head to their next home game this Sunday at 2:30 against Central Michigan at Jeffrey Field.