Penn State women’s soccer (9-5-0) shut out the Indiana Hoosiers (9-3-3) 3-0 Wednesday night at Jeffery Field.

The Nittany Lions played a great match with two goals from striker Jordan Canniff and a penalty kick from Sam Coffey. Penn State’s attack was no match for Indiana’s loaded defense, and the Nittany Lions infiltrated with ease.

How It Happened

Both the Hoosiers and the Nittany Lions finished the first 30 minutes of the match scoreless. Penn State pressed heavy on Indiana’s stacked defense but saw few opportunities for shots after runs down the midfield from Sam Coffey and Rachel Wasserman. Indiana tried its luck but sent a shot straight to Kat Asman’s hands.

Penn State finally got the cap in the 40th minute with a goal from Jordan Canniff assisted by Elle Kershner. The ball was received in the wings by Kershner, who weaved through Indiana’s defense toward the left goalpost where she could send the ball to Canniff for the goal.

In the 54th minute, Indiana received a foul when Hanna Nemeth took down Coffey in the box, resulting in a penalty kick for Penn State. Coffey took the kick and scored in the 55th minute to post a 2-0 lead for the Nittany Lions.

After being stuck around midfield, the Nittany Lions moved up on Indiana’s defense. Jilly Shimkin fed a ball to Canniff, who sent a rocket toward the goal from the PK mark that Indiana’s Jamie Gerstenberg could not save. Canniff’s second goal of the match brought the Nittany Lions up 3-0.

66' | Canniff with her second of the game to make it 3-0 Nittany Lions! pic.twitter.com/jY7Obdf8SH

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) October 14, 2021

Although it was evident the Hoosiers were itching for a goal to lessen the score gap, Indiana’s attacking players were not able to send shot on goal, and many sailed too far or over the net.

Player Of The Match

Jordan Canniff | Striker

Canniff came into the match as a sub and delivered for Penn State’s attack. With two goals coming from Canniff, it’s clear she knew how and when to infiltrate Indiana’s defensive line.

By playing high on the field and stretching the Hoosiers out, Canniff was perfectly set up so that balls sent from the wings made for a clear shot on goal.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions will face Purdue at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 17, for their last home game of the season. The matchup will celebrate Penn State’s seniors.