Penn State women’s soccer (10-6, 4-5 Big Ten) lost a critical match to Michigan (11-3-3, 5-2-2 Big Ten) 2-0 Thursday night in Ann Arbor.

Two swift Michigan goals proved to be too much for the Nittany Lions to overcome in rainy and cold conditions.

The Nittany Lions are currently in a four-way tie for fifth place in Big Ten rankings, vying for a spot in post-season competition. The Wolverines are sitting well at third place and playing to obtain a match at home in the Big Ten tournament.

How It Happened

The Nittany Lions and the Wolverines both demonstrated a fast-paced offense in the first half, with each team finding several opportunities to score. While neither team put shots directly on goal, it was clear that both Katherine Asman and Michigan keeper, Hillary Beall, would be particularly active in the remainder of the match. 

In the 18th minute, Raleigh Loughman found the back of the net to put Michigan on the board first. A cross from Dani Wolfe just outside of the penalty box gave Asman little time to react to a swift strike from Loughman. 

18' | GOAL!!!

Strat plays ball to Wolfe near touchline, Loughman finishes for her team-leading sixth of the season!

1:0
#GoBlue | #InPursuit pic.twitter.com/vrM8MEpmz6

— Michigan Women’s Soccer (@umichwsoccer) October 21, 2021

In response, Penn State quickly countered, and Jordan Canniff found Ally Schlegel for a header. Schlegel misjudged the cross and could not convert. This was the Nittany Lions’ first real opportunity of the match in the 19th minute.

Following lots of back and forth from both teams, Kerry Abello battled through two aggressive Wolverines and was able to take a shot. Although it went high over the crossbar, Michigan defender Sydney Shepherd was dealt a yellow card for her attempt to take down Abello in a goal-scoring opportunity.

With ten minutes remaining in the first half, Penn State converted to a 4-2-3-1 formation in an attempt to slow down the Wolverine offense.

Penn State left the pitch down one goal at halftime, however, several formational changes and substitutions had yet to take effect before the whistle at the 45th minute.

After shifting to a 4-3-2-1, the Nittany Lions were able to create more offensive opportunities in the second half. As a result of this change, the Nittany Lions looked much more comfortable in the new formation and were able to connect more efficiently through the midfield.

In the 55th minute, Michigan had a massive opportunity to extend the lead to two goals. The crossbar saved Asman and the Nittany Lions from a huge Wolverine counterattack.

Asman made a huge save in the 73rd minute to prevent another Michigan opportunity. Asman continued to shine during the second half and held the Wolverines to one goal.

74' | CHANCE!

Strat tests 'keeper from 22 yards out.

1:0
#GoBlue | #InPursuit pic.twitter.com/qaBHLWTXD6

— Michigan Women’s Soccer (@umichwsoccer) October 22, 2021

In the 85th minute of the match, freshman defender Mieke Schiemann misplayed a pass back to Asman that was intercepted by Dani Wolfe. Wolfe found herself in a race with Asman outside of the goal box to reach the ball first. Asman attempted to clear the ball, only for her clearing strike to deflect off Wolfe and bounce into the Nittany Lions’ net.

85' | GOAL!!!

Dani Wolfe with the HUSTLE and it pays off, we go up by a pair.

2:0
#GoBlue | #InPursuit pic.twitter.com/0ciNsnTM9x

— Michigan Women’s Soccer (@umichwsoccer) October 22, 2021

The second goal that came five minutes before the final whistle was an unfortunate way to end a consequential match for Penn State.

Takeaways

• An unusually lackluster offense proved to be the difference in Penn State’s loss. Did several formational changes throughout the match rattle the lineup? The Nittany Lions adjusted their formation once in the first half and twice in the second half in order to keep up with an aggressive Michigan front line. Coach Erica Dambach’s tactical changes seemed to be effective to reduce the Wolverine’s offensive momentum, but several formational changes may have disturbed the potency of the Nittany Lions’ performance.
• Penn State women’s soccer now finds themselves at a crucial point in its regular-season play. In order to have any chance of moving on in the postseason, the Nittany Lions will absolutely need a win against Michigan State on Sunday.

What’s Next

Penn State will wrap up its Big Ten season and head to East Lansing to face Michigan State. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 24.