Three Penn State Men’s Soccer Stars Earn First-Team All-Big Ten Honors
Penn State men’s soccer’s Danny Bloyou, Pierre Reedy, and Brandon Hackenberg were named to the 2021 All-Big Ten First Team Friday after their impressive performances this season.
Captains Reedy and Hackenberg have both been staples within Jeff Cook’s locker room for a while, but gaining Bloyou this year on a transfer from Old Dominion was a welcome addition for the team.
The Ghanaian did not initially start for the Nittany Lions. However, Bloyou increased his minutes with key goals and an unfortunate injury to Liam Butts. The striker finished the regular season with four goals, tied for third in the Big Ten.
Reedy was also essential for the Nittany Lions playing both as a winger and in the middle of the pitch. His clutch gene showed through in a last-minute equalizer against Maryland, undoubtedly his highlight moment this year.
Hackenberg has also been a rock at the back for the Nittany Lions. Playing for an extra season after already being drafted by Orlando City SC, the defender was also given a No. 25 national ranking Thursday.
This is the second year in a row Hackenberg has been placed on the First Team. He joined Aaron Molloy and Butts on last campaign’s squad.
In addition to the three Nittany Lions on the First Team, Seth Kuhn and goalkeeper Kris Shakes were selected for the All-Big Ten Second Team.
Striker Peter Mangione also made the All-Big Ten Freshman Team after leading the conference in game-winning goals despite just playing six games. He was one of four players to be unanimously selected. Defender Nicholas Rieple received Penn State’s sportsmanship award, which is annually presented to one student-athlete on each Big Ten team.
The Nittany Lions will return to action Saturday for a Big Ten quarterfinal showdown with Ohio State. The game will kick off at noon on the Big Ten Network.
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