Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Penn State Women’s Soccer Knocks Off Professional Team

Penn State women’s soccer has notched some impressive results over the past few years — securing its first-ever national championship in 2015, taking home the Big Ten Tournament title in 2017, and consistently competing with the best of the best in college soccer.

The Nittany Lions pulled off another solid feat over the weekend, taking down National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Sky Blue FC Saturday night. Comprised of a professional roster of some of the world’s elite talent, including Penn State legend Raquel “Rocky” Rodriguez and two-time FIFA World Player of the Year Carli Lloyd (although she didn’t play), the New Jersey-based franchise failed to find the back of the net in its preseason opener.

It was Penn State’s rising redshirt junior Ellie Jean who finally broke the deadlock at the Sportika Sports Complex in the 73rd minute. The outside back scored on a scramble in the box to notch the match’s only goal and secure the upset.

With little top-level competition to face off against as they enter preseason in late winter, it’s not uncommon for NWSL clubs just getting back into the groove of things to schedule games against top college teams. It’s also just the beginning of the slate for clubs that still have to cut their rosters down prior to the start of the season, so a few players who won’t end up making the final squad play in these games.

Still, Saturday’s win is an impressive feat for the Nittany Lions. Of the 22 players that played in the game for Sky Blue FC, 15 were league veterans and three had even earned call ups to the senior-level U.S. women’s national team.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Steve Connelly

Unfortunately, former editor Steve Connelly has graduated. Where is he now? He might be doing something related to that PR degree he got in 2019. Maybe he finally opened that sports bar named after one of his photos, the Blurry Zamboni. Or he might just be eating chicken tenders and couch surfing. Anything’s possible. If you really want to know, follow him on Twitter @slc2o.

Reflections & Memories From Happy Valley: Ishaan Kalani’s Senior Column

“Penn State has been more than just a place of academic pursuit for me. It’s been a melting pot of experiences, lasting friendships, and personal growth.”

Penn State Alum Tommy Viola Taking Lifelong Love For Baseball Into Minor League Role

“I’m living my dream. All I ever wanted to do was work in baseball.”

Matt McGloin Advocating For Students, Honoring Paterno Family Legacy In Board Of Trustees Campaign

“Where I’m at today in life and all that I have is because I had the opportunity to be a student-athlete at Penn State University. For me, this is how I give back to school that’s given me so much.”

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.6kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Steve

Penn State Softball’s Season Ends With Big Ten Tournament Loss To Indiana

The Hoosiers made the Penn State defense work and used an aggressive third inning to take the lead and move on in the tournament.

Penn State Softball’s Toni Polk And Chelsea Bisi Earn All-Big Ten Selections

Penn State Softball Gears Up For Return To Big Ten Tournament