Women’s Soccer Holds On For 2-1 Win Over No. 18 Long Beach State
No. 13 Penn State (2-2-1) took the pitch at George Allen Field for its second match in a West Coast swing this weekend. Though it fell in overtime to No. 11 UCLA 1-0, Penn State had redemption on its mind against No. 18 Long Beach State (3-1-1) Sunday evening. The Nittany Lions managed to take their first victory over a ranked opponent this season in a 2-1 win.
How It Happened
Long Beach State pushed its attack forward early, forcing Dennis to make a save and the young defense to be stout against its third-straight ranked opponent. The Nittany Lions held firm at the back and allowed their offense to find its footing after the opening minutes.
Breakout sophomore Charlotte Williams helped the Nittany Lions grab the first goal of the game about midway through the first half. Williams’ pass led Frannie Crouse behind the back line and Crouse buried past the keeper for her second goal of the season to give Penn State a 1-0 lead, which they would hold on to going into halftime.
The Nittany Lions came out strong in the second half and nearly doubled their lead after Megan Schafer got on the end of a corner kick, but headed the opportunity into the post. Penn State would add a second goal minutes later. Williams would also have her hand in setting up this goal, as did Schafer, as they were credited with the assists on Crouse’s second goal of the night in the 63rd minute to give Penn State a 2-0 lead.
Penn State wasn’t out of the woods quite yet. Long Beach State drew a penalty kick with 14 minutes left in the game. Amanda Dennis had been up to the task against the 49ers, but couldn’t stop Ashley Gonzales’ shot and the lead was cut to one. Penn State’s back line held firm the rest of the way to close out an important road win 2-1.
Player Of The Game
Frannie Crouse | Forward | Junior
Crouse put away both of her chances for two goals in an important Penn State road win over Long Beach State.
What’s Next?
Penn State will return to Jeffrey Field for a two-match homestand next weekend against San Diego State on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and La Salle on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
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