No. 7 Penn State women’s soccer (3-0) dominated over Hofstra (3-1) 2-1 Sunday afternoon at Jeffrey Field.

The Nittany Lions played a balanced game against the Hofstra Pride, as plays towards goal and beautiful crosses by Payton Linnehan, Sam Coffey, and Ally Schlegel helped Penn State snag the win.

How It Happened

The Nittany Lions got a quick start in the fourth minute of the game with Payton Linnehan’s fifth goal of the season. Linnehan ran the ball from center field and after beating Hofstra’s goalie, Linnehan was met with an open goal ready for her to waltz right in.

Surprisingly, the early goal was a bit against the run of play.

Linnehan picked up the ball around midfield, and the defense couldn't keep up. She rounded the 'keeper and placed it into the back of the net for her fifth in three matches

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) August 29, 2021

Ally Schlegel rang in another goal for Penn State, setting the score at 2-0 with a beautiful assist by Jilly Shimkin in the 14th minute.

Eventually in the 21st minute, Hofstra’s Miri Taylor found the back of the net with the help of Ellen Halseth. Taylor’s first attempt at a goal threw Asman off guard as she couldn’t quite save the second shot, making the score 2-1.

With just a few minutes to spare in the first half, Shimkin and Olivia Damico pressed hard on goal but weren’t able to get past goalie Skylar Kuzmich.

43': Jilly Shimkin had a two-on-one with Asbroek, but went for it herself.

Following that chance, Kate Wiesner sent a beautiful cross into the back post, and Olivia Damico's header was saved by Kuzmich.

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) August 29, 2021

Both the Nittany Lions and the Hofstra Pride played a more aggressive second half, as both teams took more shots on goal. In the 67th minute, Schlegel sent a clean pass through Hofstra’s defense to Natalie Wilson but Kuzmich blocked the ball. Seconds later, Cori Dyke went in for the follow-up shot but Kuzmich blocked the goal yet again.

Penn State held its own on the defensive end in the game’s final minutes to preserve the 2-1 victory.

Player Of The Match

Peyton Linnehan, Winger

Yet again Linnehan had an absolutely beautiful game. Her footwork through Hofstra’s defensive line proved to be key in the Nittany Lion’s strategy. Her fifth goal in three games was a cakewalk and gave Penn State an early lead that boosted their confidence.

What’s Next?

Penn State will face West Virginia Thursday, September 2 in Morgantown. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.