Penn State men’s soccer took on Michigan State in East Lansing Sunday, where it fell 2-1 in a key B1G game. The loss marked Penn State’s third in a row, and the Nittany Lions fell to 5-6-2 overall and 2-3-1 in the Big Ten. Though the game started with a scoreless first half, there were  numerous opportunities for both teams, and a goal with two minutes remaining sealed it for the Spartans in a heartbreaking defeat for the Nittany Lions.

How It Happened

A scoreless first half gave way to a couple of quick goals in the second. Michigan State opened the scoring three minutes into the second half with a goal from Jason Stacy, which was answered a mere minute later by Penn State. Drew Klingenberg, who is also a writer for Onward State, sent a beautiful cross into the box, which deflected off the Spartans’ keeper and trickled right to Christian Kaschak who buried it in the back of the net.

Riding a wave of momentum from the goal, Penn State had a number of chances as the half progressed, but it was unable to capitalize. Two minutes from the end of regulation, Michigan State sent a header into the lower right corner of the net to take a 2-1 lead, and the Nittany Lions were unable to answer with a point of their own. In the end, both teams had four shots on net, but the Spartans were able to send one more past the keeper and take home the win.

Player Of The Game

Redshirt Junior Christian Kaschak, the sole goal scorer for the Nittany Lions. Kaschak ignited the spark Penn State needed to give Michigan State a run for its money. After the Spartans scored quickly to open the second half, it would have been easy for Penn State to get down on themselves and allow the Spartans to open up the game. Kaschak wouldn’t let Michigan State off that easy, and quickly responded to give the Nittany Lions a momentum they carried throughout the remainder of the game.

What’s Next?

Penn State will return home on October 21 for a 7 p.m. contest against Loyola Marymount at Jeffrey Field. A non-conference game may be just what the Nittany Lions need as they attempt to rebound from a three-game losing streak. Though the Nittany Lions have played well all year, there are games that should have ended as wins for the squad. Penn State aims to get back to its winning ways Wednesday against Loyola Marymount.