Penn State Men’s Soccer (8-3-1) shook Michigan (5-5-1) Sunday afternoon at Jeffrey Field in a 2-1 win. The Nittany Lions have solidly won all four games of their Big Ten season so far.

In an eventful second half, the Nittany Lions had a beautiful goal from Andrew Privett, came back strong after a Wolverine goal from a penalty kick, and saw Michigan play with a man down.

How It Happened

The Nittany Lions and the Wolverines immediately went into high-paced play and were both quick to take some shots in hopes of an early lead. In the third minute, Penn State’s Danny Bloyou went in for the first shot of the game, but Michigan’s keeper stopped Bloyou’s attempt.

Michigan had ten shots during the first half, but Kris Shakes and Penn State’s defense would not let the Wolverines take the lead despite Michigan taking every opportunity to disrupt the backline.

In the 49th minute of the game, Bloyou found a gap in Michigan’s defense and fed a ball to Andrew Privett right at the 18. Privett sent the ball like a rocket and safely landed it in the back right corner, bringing the Nittany Lions into the lead.

This was just a thing of beauty @PrivettAndrew pic.twitter.com/TzqekM3x9t

— Penn State Men’s Soccer (@PennStateMSOC) October 10, 2021

After a foul on Tyger Evans in the box, Michigan converted a penalty kick in the 57th minute. Marc Ybarra took the kick and slyly shot just to the right of Kris Shakes, tying up the game 1-1.

In the 68th minute of the game, Michigan’s Derick Broche knocked Tyger Evans and gave him a bloody nose, resulting in Evans being subbed out and Broche being given a red card. Broche’s red card resulted in the Wolverines playing the rest of the match with a ten-man team.

Coming back from Evans being taken out of play, the Nittany Lions pushed hard on Michigan’s backline, resulting in an own goal after Jalen Watson crossed the ball that knocked off of a Michigan defender.

Penn State’s backline showed, yet again, how strong it was in the 81st minute when Michigan’s Evan Rasmussen beat out Shakes in the box and took a shot. Brandon Hackenberg beautifully deflected the shot as the rest of the defense quickly moved the ball out to prevent the Wolverines from evening the score.

Player Of The Match

Andrew Privett | Midfield

Privett played an amazing match for the Nittany Lions and was a huge player in Penn State’s offensive strategy. His goal in the 49th minute gave Penn State the leg up it needed to drive a more forward and aggressive second half.

The midfielder was Penn State’s leading shooter of the match, taking one-third of the Nittany Lions shots, two of which were on goal. Additionally, Privett moved up to lead this season in goals and assists.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions will head to Ohio to play Akron Wednesday, October 13 with kickoff at 7 p.m.