Nittany Lions Fall in 2-1 Battle at No. 22 Michigan – Penn State

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Penn State men’s soccer team erased a first-half 1-0 deficit and was able to find an equalizer in the 53rd minute, but unbeaten No. 22 Michigan scored the game winner on a penalty kick in the 56th minute as the Wolverines handed the Nittany Lions a 2-1 loss in Friday night’s Big Ten opener.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half

The match began with back-and-forth play and neither team could find an offensive rhythm or shot on goal in the first ten minutes. Michigan eventually got the first shot on goal in the 12th minute, which was deflected by Penn State’s Malick Daouda. The Nittany Lions had strong offensive chances following a free kick and corner kick shortly after, but weren’t able to find the back of the net.

Michigan’s Beto Soto narrowly missed a goal, shooting wide left. Penn State earned another free kick in the 19th minute, resulting in a second corner opportunity. Bryce Blevins scored the opening goal for Michigan in the 33rd minute, assisted by Beto Soto.

Second half

Penn State equalized the game early in the second half with a goal in the 52nd minute off the foot of Aboubacar Camara.

Michigan was awarded a penalty kick three minutes later. Michigan’s Blevins took the penalty for Michigan and capitalized to put the Wolverines back ahead, 2-1.

The Nittany Lions played a man down for the final 10 minutes. Penn State nearly equalized again in the 83rd minute, but the goal was ruled offside.

Both teams had late free kicks near the 18-yard box in the final minutes, but neither could capitalize as Michigan held on for a 2-1 victory.

MATCH NOTES

• Camara scored a goal in his first game action in the Blue & White.
• Penn State goalkeeper Andrew Cooke finished with five saves.
• Michigan held the advantage in shots, 15-9, with seven of those being on goal.
• The 22nd-ranked Wolverines remain unbeaten on the season.