No. 12 Penn State women’s soccer (6-1-1, 1-0-0 Big Ten) took down Michigan (1-6-1, 0-1-0 Big Ten) 6-0 at Jeffrey Field on Thursday night. The Nittany Lions scored three goals in each half as Kaitlyn MacBean notched a brace.

On defense, goalkeeper Amanda Poorbaugh faced just four shots on goal and allowed no goals in a strong performance both for Poorabaugh and her backline.

How It Happened

Michigan earned a strong free kick opportunity in the third minute, setting up just outside of the penalty area after a whistle came against MacBean. However, Penn State’s wall defended the action, and goalkeeper Amanda Poorbaugh cleaned up the Wolverines’ recycled action.

Penn State’s first good chance of the match came in the 10th minute, as Amelia White’s strong drive down the left side of the pitch created space for MacBean just outside the arc. MacBean’s shot, however, was deflected for a corner kick that was saved by Michigan goalkeeper Stephanie Sparkowski.

Less than a minute later, White tried to score on her own, but a tough angle near the net and good keeping from Sparkowski resulted in another corner. While the initial corner failed, Penn State recovered the clearance and forced the issue again in the box. A blistering shot from Kayleigh Herr forced a fingertip save from Sparkowski, and Schiemann missed the follow-up.

Penn State’s efforts came to fruition soon after, though, as Devon Olive converted on a half-volley strike in the 13th minute. Olive’s shot came off a Michigan save and was unassisted.

Devon Olive finds the back of the net to make it 1-0 @PennStateWSOC

: @BigTenPlus#B1GWSoccer pic.twitter.com/ha33cz8MVO

— Big Ten Soccer (@B1GSoccer) September 12, 2024

Michigan spent some time in its attacking third after Olive’s goal, but couldn’t make much of its possession.

MacBean had another decent look at goal in the 22nd minute, but her run was closed down quickly by Sparkowski.

Penn State earned its second goal in the 30th minute. After Katie Scott’s shot down low was stopped, the rebound fell to Jordan Fusco. The Tennessee transfer calmly slotted the ball into the bottom-right corner of the net to give the Nittany Lions a 2-0 lead.

Jordan loves a left-footed finish into the Southeast goal

1H | 32:19 | PSU 2, MICH 0#WeAre | #PSWS pic.twitter.com/pIuTGIwy4c

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) September 13, 2024

It didn’t take long for Penn State to earn its third goal, as Bella Ayscue’s cross through the box found Julia Raich, who headed the ball to the far corner over the outstretched hands of Sparkowski in the 42nd minute.

Keegs Bella JR

1H | 41:32 | PSU 3, MICH 0#WeAre pic.twitter.com/T2ghyy8kfS

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) September 13, 2024

The first half ended a few minutes later, with Penn State leading 3-0.

It took some time for the game to develop in the second half, though Michigan put together the first chance in the 51st minute. Poorbaugh’s outstretched leg was all that stood between keeping a shutout and Abby Zugay pulling the Wolverines back a goal.

Penn State notched its fourth goal in the 58th minute, as MacBean danced around a defender in Michigan’s penalty area before slotting her shot into the near corner.

The Nittany Lions kept the pressure on, scoring again in the 70th minute. A ball slid across the goal from Aubrey Kulpa found the foot of Elle Kershner, who tapped it into the left corner with ease.

Penn State was awarded a penalty 68 seconds later, which was taken comfortably by Schiemann to make it a 6-0 game.

Penn State continued to attack for the duration of the match, but didn’t find the net to improve on the 6-0 win.

Takeaways

• While Michigan has played poorly all year, Penn State really displayed some good soccer against the Wolverines. Great teams beat bad teams badly, and Penn State did just that.
• MacBean continued to be one of Penn State’s most electrifying players. While neither of her goals won the match, MacBean’s brace was a continuation of her strong play thus far into the season.
• Penn State was aided by the Wolverines’ poor shooting all night. Even toward the end of the match, Michigan’s 18 shots were more than Penn State’s 20, though Penn State ran up its count before the final whistle. However, the Wolverines only put four shots on target as balls consistently sailed over the goal.

What’s Next?

Penn State will stay at home for a Senior Day matchup at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, against Columbia at home. The game will air on BTN+.