Penn State Men’s Soccer Gets Back To Winning Ways, Beats Rutgers 4-2
After two weeks off due to COVID-19, Penn State men’s soccer (3-1) defeated Rutgers (3-3) 4-2 at Jeffrey Field on Monday afternoon.
Danny Bloyou had a brace, while Seth Kuhn and Pierre Reedy added a goal apiece in the win. Kuhn also added an assist in what became an offensive masterclass on national television for the Nittany Lions.
How It Happened
Many of the usual suspects remained in the starting lineup after a two-week hiatus. However, injuries from the loss to Michigan State slightly shuffled the XI.
Danny Bloyou, Tyger Evans, and Nicholas Rieple all earned rare starts.
The first big Nittany Lion chance came eight minutes in when Pierre Reedy made a beautiful run into the box. The right winger whipped it across the face of goal, and Oren Asher made two goal line saves to keep the score all square. Penn State should have had an early goal, but the Rutgers keeper proved why he has already won two of the first three Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week awards.
On the defensive end, the Nittany Lions struggled to stunt Rutgers left winger Jackson Temple. All forward momentum for the Scarlet Knights came through the Pennsylvania native, but his crosses didn’t trouble Kris Shakes too much in the first half.
Penn State broke the deadlock in clinical fashion 25 minutes into the contest. Liam Butts received the ball wide on the right, and found Andrew Privett at the six-yard box. Privett played it square to an on-rushing Bloyou, who slotted home for the 1-0 lead.
Four minutes later, Penn State had another chance just outside the 18-yard box. Butts was fouled right near the penalty barrier, and Seth Kuhn smashed it home. Asher couldn’t even make an attempt at the curled strike that doubled the Nittany Lions’ lead.
Kuhn took advantage of a small wall to find ample space.
Penn State began to stamp its authority on the match, and the Scarlet Knights were getting visibly frustrated. However, Rutgers cashed in on a rare corner kick, with Ritchie Barry rising to power a header home.
Penn State should have had a chance for a penalty late in the first half when Asher took out Kuhn on a loose ball. However, the referee decided to play on.
Although Rutgers sucker-punched Penn State with a late first half goal, the Nittany Lions came out flying in the second half. Kuhn found Reedy in a transition play, who beat the goalie and found the open net for the 3-1 lead.
However, the Scarlet Knights wouldn’t go away. Penn State had so many chances, including two shots off the crossbar in the first 10 minutes of the half, but Vincent Borden capitalized off of a loose ball scramble to cut the deficit back to just one goal.
The middle of the second half was a back-and-forth gritty affair. With a one goal cushion, the Nittany Lions didn’t have much room for error, and Temple’s probing gave Rutgers some chances to equalize.
With just 15 minutes to go, Penn State finally sealed the deal. Evans made something out of nothing by beating two Scarlet Knights on the left side of the box. Somehow, the freshman was able to find Bloyou front point blank range for his second of the night.
77' | Danny Bloyou have yourself a game
— Penn State Men’s Soccer (@PennStateMSOC) March 15, 2021
The junior finds the back of the net for the second time today from freshman Tyger Evans! Penn State back up, 4-2!#WeAre pic.twitter.com/OltKqc4cP4
Rutgers didn’t have any top chances to get themselves back within a goal. The best chance came with five minutes on the clock; Temple rolled the ball across the face of goal just behind Barry, and the senior could only drag it comfortably into Shakes’ hands.
The Nittany Lions proved their maturity, closing out the game despite the Scarlet Knights’ aggressiveness. Despite not playing for 16 days, Penn State returned to the win column with a 4-2 victory.
Man Of The Match
Penn State’s Front Six
The man of the match could go to any Nittany Lion who played in the midfield or attack. Liam Butts had his best game of the year, setting up the first two goals of the game with his tireless hold-up play. Danny Bloyou’s two goals weren’t his only contribution, as his speed unlocked the Rutgers’ defense multiple times. Additionally, Pierre Reedy and Seth Kuhn’s build up play and scoring was what won the game for the Nittany Lions in the end.
Penn State could have easily scored six or seven, and it was worrying how close this one wound up being. If the defensive line can tighten up its mistakes, the Nittany Lions will be a national contender.
What’s Next
Penn State heads to Evanston to play Northwestern on Friday. Kickoff time remains to be announced, and the game will be televised live on the Big Ten Network.
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