UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- No. 20 Penn State men’s soccer powers to a 2-0 performance on Labor Day against St. John’s. A clean sheet from Kris Shakes between the pipes allowed the Nittany Lions attack to score two unanswered goals. Sophomore defender Matthew Henderson was responsible for assisting both goals from Peter Mangione and Alex Stevenson.
Penn State moves to a record of 2-0-2 and remains undefeated at Jeffrey Field.
“Tonight was a very challenging match for our players after a quick turnaround from Friday night,” said head coach Jeff Cook. “It was a very hot day and we played an outstanding St. John’s team. I thought it took us a little while to get going tonight but once we got the first goal, we played with far more confidence in possession, created some really good opportunities and earned an important victory here at Jeffrey Field. I am incredibly proud of our players for showing a very high level of resilience and mental toughness. I look forward to Friday night at home again.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First half
St. John’s applied pressure straight from the first whistle, using a shot that went wide right of the goal. A corner kick in the 13th minute threatened the 0-0 score, but the eventual shot missed wide again.
A free kick opportunity for the Nittany Lions gave them their first point of the day in the 26th. Sophomore defender Matthew Henderson took the kick and found Mangione in the box who headed the ball past the St. John’s keeper.
The Nittany Lions attack continued to press, adding two more shots right after the pursing kick off. Caden Grabfelder and Liam Butts were responsible for the offensive…
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