Penn State men’s soccer (3-9-3, 0-7-3 Big Ten) lost to Maryland (11-4-1, 5-4-1 Big Ten) 2-0 in its last Big Ten regular-season game on Wednesday night.

Maryland stayed aggressive and ended with 18 shots on net. Penn State couldn’t quite keep up with the Terrapins’ intense offensive line, sinking it in the season finale.

How It Happened

Early into the game, Maryland got the first chance of the game with a corner kick. One of the Maryland players got behind the ball, but sailed it just wide right.

In the sixth minute, Maryland got on the board early. Albi Ndrenika worked hard and put the ball in the bottom center of the net.

Ndrenkia got his foot on a cross, but missed barely wide left.

Penn State’s Etienne Reck missed left of Maryland’s net, almost getting Penn State back in the game.

The Nittany Lions finally managed to test Terrapin goalkeeper Laurin Mack in net, but he made the easy catch.

In the 21st minute, Reck earned a corner kick for Penn State by putting Maryland’s back line on its heels.

Penn State’s Joe Buckley made a low shot off a corner kick, but Mack made the save for the Terrapins.

Maryland’s Zack Harris got his head on the ball trying to get another goal before the half, but Ross was in the right place at the right time and made the save.

With the final seconds of the first half, Marco Wright got one last shot off and just missed for Maryland.

Maryland led 1-0 at the half.

Penn State came out of halftime with a higher intensity and increased offensive drive.

In the 55th minute, Maryland worked to get another corner again, but failed to capitalize on it.

Maryland’s hard work finally paid off in the 56th minute on a Dominic Ayella goal assisted by Harris.

Maryland’s Ljubomir Popovic went out for a potential injury in the 62nd minute.

Popovic reentered the game and drew a red card in the 73rd minute. This foul kept Maryland at 10 players for the remainder of the match.

Penn State used it to its advantage. Toby Grant took a shot on net, but Mack made the diving save to keep the Nittany Lions off the board.

Maryland’s Lilian Fichelle went down with a potential injury in the 85th minute, getting a yellow card in the process.

Takeaways

• Zack Harris was all over the field for Maryland, making Penn State’s defense work hard. He created many opportunities for the Terrapins.
• Both teams played a physical game, drawing many fouls throughout the contest.
• Justin Ross had seven saves in the game. He made many key plays and big saves to keep the ball out of the net for Penn State.

What’s Next?

The first season of the Rob Dow era. Penn State finished last in the Big Ten standings and will miss the Big Ten Tournament.

About the Author