No. 1 seed Penn State men’s soccer dominated over No. 8 Michigan State Sunday afternoon at Jeffrey Field to open up the Big Ten Tournament. The win advances the Nittany Lions to the semifinals, where they’ll soon face No. 4 seed Michigan.

An early goal from Peter Mangione, a slick shot coming from Andrew Privett in the first half, and a bunch of saves from Kris Shakes led Penn State to an eye-opening win.

How It Happened

The Nittany Lions started off the match with a bang just 25 seconds in. As Penn State pushed forward, Liam Butts tried for a shot but was blocked by Michigan State’s Hunter Morse. The ball was sent back into the Nittany Lion’s offense where Peter Mangione was waiting to head the ball in, putting Penn State ahead 1-0.

Roll Zombie Nation folks, this isn't a drill.

Liam Butts' shot was saved, but Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Peter Mangione headed the rebound home.

In a great moment between players and fans, the whole team ran to the @ParkAvenueArmy in celebration.

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) November 7, 2021

Penn State did it again in the 16th minute when the Nittany Lions built up beautiful possession on the Spartans’ half. A pass to Andrew Privett on the outside allowed him to weave through Michigan State’s defenders and shoot into the high left of the goal for the Nittany Lions’ second goal of the match.

Guess the goalie didn't expect Privett to go near post pic.twitter.com/6P7WBkjhGn

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) November 7, 2021

Michigan State got its first shot of the game in the 32nd minute, but Penn State goalie Kris Shakes made a great jump save that had the potential to lessen the difference in the score for the Spartans. Shakes did it again with seven minutes left in the match and hit the ball out of Penn State’s defensive zone.

Remind us how Kris Shakes wasn't an All-Big Ten goalkeeper?pic.twitter.com/MDdLMqkmFP

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) November 7, 2021

In the 42nd minute, Michigan State’s Ferri Gianni slide tackled Seth Kuhn and received a yellow card. Kuhn was down on the field for a minute and was then taken out for the remainder of the half, but he was brought back after the break.

Michigan State upped its offensive game and went for multiple shots in the second half, but Shakes was always there to make beautiful saves and deny the Spartans any goals.

The Nittany Lions came out on top in the action-packed match and took the win 2-0, moving them forward into the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament.

Players Of The Match

Peter Mangione | Forward

Mangione’s early goal off a header set the pace of play for the Nittany Lions through the entire match. The Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year’s aggression in Penn State’s attack helped pin Michigan State’s defense down and keep possession across the length of the field.

Kris Shakes | Goalie

Shakes’ showing in goal was key in Penn State’s performance against Michigan State. The Spartans upped their offensive game in the second half, and Shakes kept up with their rockets. From beautiful dives to quick leaps, Shakes was a powerhouse in goal and denied Michigan State of all eight of its shots.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions will face Michigan on Wednesday, November 10, in the Big Ten semifinals at home in Happy Valley. The semifinals will be streamed on BTN.