No. 12 Penn State women’s soccer (4-1-0) defeated No. 19 Saint Louis (2-1-2) 2-1 on Sunday afternoon in Missouri at Hermann Stadium for its first away game and fifth match of the season.

Penn State kicked off the game strong, proving their grit and determination to secure another win over Saint Louis. With Kaitlyn MacBean scoring two goals in the early minutes of the first half, the team managed to stay on top throughout the game, allowing Saint Louis only one goal.

Although several shots were attempted by both teams throughout the second half, no goals were made, leaving Penn State the victor.

How It Happened

Tensions were high to begin the game, as the Lady Lions were determined to secure yet another early-season win.

Within the first few minutes of the match, forward MacBean scored on Saint Louis goalkeeper Emily Puricelli, with assistance from Amelia White, showing a promising start for the Nittany Lions.

After a few goal attempts by MacBean and White, MacBean secured another goal, giving Penn State a two-goal lead.

Saint Louis had a multitude of chances, with four shots in the first 30 minutes, but Penn State goalkeeper Amanda Poorbaugh stood her ground, saving each shot that came close.

In the 28th minute of the game, midfielder Jordan Fusco went in for another goal and missed, opening a window for Saint Louis.

With 15 minutes left in the first half, after head coach Erica Dambach made several substitutions, Fusco attempted another goal, just missing the mark with Puricelli saving the shot.

With just six minutes left of the last half, Saint Louis attempted another goal, however, the shot made it just outside the net. Then, three minutes later, Sarah Sarnowski of Saint Louis, tried to close the gap before the end of the half and failed, nearly missing the target.

As the first half ticked down, the opposing team held consistent effort, yet fell short, keeping Penn State in the lead.

The first half ended with the Nittany Lions up 2-0 and holding three more shots over Saint Louis.  

At the start of the second half, Saint Louis saw much of the ball, eventually leading to Elise Le making her penalty kick at roughly three minutes in, closing the gap for the team.

With the score now 2-1, the pressure was on, as Penn State gained possession of the ball. White showed consistent effort, keeping the ball away from Saint Louis.

However, just under 10 minutes in the last half, midfielder Rowan Lapi suffered a shin injury, briefly pausing the game as Dambach helped her off the field.

Despite having a man down, Penn State’s defense and goalkeeper didn’t let that stop them from deflecting multiple goal attempts from Saint Louis. After Poorbaugh cleared the ball down the field with 40 minutes left in the game, Saint Louis’ Hannah Larson came right back with another shot.

15 minutes into the last half, Fusco attempted to score a goal and close the gap, but Puricelli managed to save it from reaching the net.

With two more shots by Fusco, Puricelli blocked each one, standing her ground in the goalie box.

Minutes later, Saint Louis forward Emily Gaebe took an opportunity to score and missed.

As the clock was ticking towards 20 minutes left in the game, Saint Louis kept control over the ball for a few minutes, adding more pressure to Penn State.

At the 16-minute mark, the yellow card was placed on Saint Louis player Audrey Smith for the second time in the match for unsporting.

After a few more substitutions by both teams, including White put back in for Damico, just under 15 minutes remained of the game.

With 13 minutes left in the game, Saint Louis dribbled the ball down the field, opening a window for Larson to shoot. However, Penn State blocked the ball and Wolfe received a yellow card, granting Saint Louis a penalty kick attempt.

Shortly after the missed shot, White and Gleason attempted to close the gap, however, Puricelli saved both shots from scoring.

During the last few minutes, Penn State almost gave up another penalty kick, as Larson of Saint Louis went down in the penalty box while attempting to tie the score.

With the ball going back and forth between the teams during the final minute of the match and no big moves made, Penn State ultimately defeated Saint Louis with a final score of 2-1.

Takeaways

• MacBean continued her domination, proving herself as one of Penn State’s most valuable and consistent assets. The forward scored the only two goals made by Penn State, with several attempted shots, as well.
• Some notable players in the match included Fusco and White, who attempted several shots each and supported their team with assists and complete passes. Fusco ended the match with four shot attempts.
• Although Poorbaugh has raised questions at the start of this season, throughout the match, she showed consistent effort, blocking numerous shots, only letting one goal in.

What’s Next

The Nittany Lions will hit the road once again and head to Princeton this weekend. The match is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, and will be streamed on ESPN+.