Penn State men’s soccer (2-4-0, 0-2-0 Big Ten) lost to No. 19 Michigan State (6-1-1, 2-0-0 Big Ten) 1-0 on Friday night at Jeffrey Field.

A defensive duel through and through, both teams showcased great defense with little action in front of either net until a Michigan State goal broke the deadlock in the final minutes.

How It Happened

A Michigan State defensive misplay led to an early corner kick. The Nittany Lions attempted to go back-post on the ensuing play, but Amadou Kone’s shot strayed wide of the Spartan net.

Soon after, Kone had a second chance, this time deflected by Jake Grekowicz for the match’s first save.

Michigan State controlled possession over the next few minutes, but good defense by the Nittany Lions kept the front of their net clean.

A scuffle near midfield led to Grant McIntosh receiving a yellow card in the 19th minute.

After a loose ball approached the Nittany Lions’ net, Daniel Peluffo-Wiese and a Spartan forward collided, stopping play. Both players remained in the match.

As the end of the first half drew near, the Nittany Lions ramped things up offensively. There was chaos in front of the Michigan State net, with chances by Sheridan McNish being saved and a screamer off the foot of Noah Andreas reflecting off the crossbar.

The last chance of the half belonged to Luke Spadafora of Michigan State, whose shot just deflected off the post to keep the contest scoreless.

Penn State controlled possession early in the second half, with a rocket by Arian Recinos soaring just over the net as the match remained deadlocked.

Soon after, a header by Nehen Hasan off of a corner kick was punched out of the air for Grekowicz’s best save of the night.

In the 57th minute, Recinos received a yellow card after a collision following a Michigan State throw-in.

Both teams alternated possession over the next stretch of play, with strong defense being shown off on both sides, preventing any great opportunities.

A third yellow card was awarded to Penn State, with this one being given to Toby Grant after a high challenge in his team’s defensive half.

The great defensive play continued with neither team sustaining much attack over the middle portion of the second half.

Peluffo-Wiese was finally tested in the 80th minute, as he made the save on the shot by Peter Soudan.

With full time approaching, Oscar Huerta buried one with a diving header off a cross by Miles Merritt to give the Spartans the late 1-0 lead.

Penn State was unable to pull off a late miracle as the Nittany Lions fell 1-0 to the Spartans.

Takeaways

• Possession was very equal throughout the match, with neither team’s offense having a dominant showing.
• Shots were almost as even as possible with Michigan having the slight advantage 11-10, and Penn State leading shots on goal, 3-2.
• Corner kicks were the one real statistical difference in the match, with the Spartans leading the category 7-3.
• Despite the loss, the Nittany Lions should keep their heads up high, as they played a great game for almost the entire 90 minutes.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions have their work cut out for them as they continue Big Ten play on the road against a highly-ranked Indiana. The match is set for Friday, September 25, at Bill Armstrong Stadium. The contest will start at 1 p.m. and will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.