Men’s Soccer Drops Big Ten Home Opener to No. 7 Ohio State – Penn State

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State men’s soccer opened Big Ten play at home falling to No. 7 Ohio State, 5-0, Tuesday evening.  

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half

Ohio State dominated the match on both sides of the ball for the entire 90 minutes. The Buckeyes got on the board after Michael Adedokun fed a ball to Luciano Pechota in the 28th minute.

Four minutes later, Ohio State added to their lead after a mishandled corner kick by the Nittany Lion backline. 

Second Half

The Buckeyes continued their scoring streak in the 55^th minute when Marko Borkovic took a cross from David Ajagbe and knocked it past Penn State goalkeeper Andrew Cooke.

Pechota earned a brace two minutes later after returning a failed shot attempt by Ajabe.

Ohio State solidified their victory in the 78^th minute when Siggi Mangusson capitalized on a set piece.

Despite conceding five goals, Cooke made some stellar saves. In the 63rd minute, Cooke took on an Ohio State striker 1v1 and blocked a rocket of a shot.

COACH COOK ON THE MATCH

“I just want to start off by thanking the Brady Family for their ongoing support. The match, the foundation, the connection with the family and honoring Mack’s memory is special to us. We’re very disappointed to lose a game like this in the manner that we did on such a special night for our program. Credit to Ohio State, they deserve to win tonight and it’s frustrating to have to admit that. From start to finish, it was a pretty comprehensive performance that we didn’t respond to very well. So, difficult night for this group at Jeffrey.”

MATCH NOTES

• Goalkeeper Andrew Cooke registered a season high nine saves in the 90 minutes.
• Ohio State held the 18-1 advantage on corner kicks as well as shots on goal, 13-1.
• Dadzie led the Nittany Lions offensively with three shots. Chase Oliver and Van Danielson registered a shot each.
• Penn State falls to 2-5-0 (0-2-0 B1G), while Ohio State improves to 6-0-1 (1-0-0 B1G).

UP NEXT

Penn State men’s soccer will shift their focus to Michigan State on Friday, September 20 at 7 p.m. (ET). The match will serve as the THON and Youth Soccer Night. Throwback shirts for Penn State students will be given away while supplies last.