Penn State men’s soccer (7-3-1, 5-1-1 Big Ten) picked up a statement win against No. 22 Rutgers (7-2-2, 1-2-1 Big Ten) 2-0 on Tuesday night in Piscataway.

Pierre Reedy got a goal and an assist to lead the Nittany Lions, while Danny Bloyou added the opening goal to score his third of the campaign.

How It Happened

Following a 2-0 start to the conference slate, Jeff Cook rolled out a typical lineup for the Nittany Lions.

The defense was forced into action within the first minute, and an Alex Stevenson goal-line clearance was the only thing preventing an early lead for the Scarlet Knights.

Within the first 10 minutes, Penn State’s offense began to get involved. Tyger Evans and Stevenson both did well to get forward, which gave Andrew Privett the license to dart inside and combine with Peter Mangione and Seth Kuhn. Privett’s dynamism gave both Liam Butts and Danny Bloyou good chances early on.

After Rutgers dominated the first five minutes, the Nittany Lions ratcheted up the heat and took over control. The first 25 minutes were played at a blistering pace, but the final product was lacking.

The best chance of the early action went to Penn State in the 22nd minute. Privett’s corner kick looped out to Kuhn, who smashed a shot directly at Butts. However, the junior’s redirection sailed harmlessly over the bar. Just five minutes later, impressive build-up play led to Pierre Reedy crossing it to Butts, but Rutgers’ goalkeeper Oren Asher came up with a big stop.

With under 10 minutes to play in the opening period, Kris Shakes made an incredibly athletic double save on a Rutgers corner.

It paid off moments later on the other end. Reedy fed in a bullet of a cross that Bloyou lunged for and pounded home with his head. After a fascinating, back-and-forth half, the Nittany Lions took a 1-0 lead to the locker rooms.

40' | GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!

Danny Bloyou just floats into the box and his header finds the back of the net from Pierre Reedy to put Penn State up 1-0! pic.twitter.com/xorwaW0Kbz

— Penn State Men’s Soccer (@PennStateMSOC) October 5, 2021

While the first half was frantic, the second was more controlled, which was good for the Nittany Lions considering they had the lead. Both teams had a relatively even amount of chances, and Rutgers never really challenged Shakes until 20 minutes to play, but the attacker was offsides in a very dangerous sequence.

Penn State then had a few chances to put the game to bed. Kuhn hit a sweet volley from 25 yards out that missed the Rutgers goalpost by a hair. Then, in the 78th minute Mangione needed a better ball to Bloyou on a two-on-one, resulting in a collision with the goal scorer and Asher.

However, in the 82nd minute, Stevenson finally gave the Nittany Lions the avenue for the second goal by drawing a penalty. Reedy stepped up and buried it for the 2-0 lead, effectively ending any hope Rutgers would have.

83' | PK GOALLLL!!

Pierre Reedy puts it away after Alex Stevenson drew the foul. Nittany Lions lead 2-0! pic.twitter.com/LZtHJ13fU6

— Penn State Men’s Soccer (@PennStateMSOC) October 5, 2021

The Nittany Lions now improve to 3-0 in conference play, and secure their first ranked win of the season.

Player Of The Match

Pierre Reedy, Winger

Reedy was quiet for long portions of the game, but he stuffed the stat sheet Tuesday night with a goal and an assist. The assist was arguably more influential, as his cross in to Danny Bloyou was hit on a dime. Reedy continued his form from the past few weeks, and continues to be one of Penn State’s most influential players.

What’s Next?

Big Ten play continues on Sunday, when Penn State hosts Michigan at Jeffrey Field. Kick off is set for 2 p.m. and will be broadcast live on BTN.