March 30, 2008
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State men's soccer team began its 2008 spring schedule on Saturday evening, posting a 0-0-2 record versus Pitt and St. Francis in scrimmages held at the West Campus turf fields. The Nittany Lions tied the Panthers, 1-1, and the Red Flash, 0-0. Both games featured an altered format, consisting of two 30-minute periods.
In the opener versus Pitt, Penn State dominated possession throughout, outshooting the Panthers, 8-3. The Nittany Lion defense was strong early, holding Pitt to without a shot through the game's first 57 minutes. Sophomore midfielder Drew Cost (West Chester, Pa.) gave the Lions a 1-0 lead with under five minutes remaining in the game when he converted on a penalty kick after a Pitt player had been called for a hand ball while in the box. However, Penn State gave up a late goal off a failed cleared attempt and had to settle for a tie.
In the finale against St. Francis, which kicked off at 8 p.m., both teams could not mount much offense in the dipping temperatures and the contest concluded in a scoreless tie.
With redshirt freshman goalkeeper Warren Gross (Greenfield Center, N.Y.) on the shelf with a concussion, redshirt sophomore Liam Fitzwater (Schuylkill Haven, Pa.) played all 120 minutes in net.
The Nittany Lions will be back in action next weekend when they travel to Annapolis, Md. for scrimmages versus Georgetown (1 p.m.) and Navy (3 p.m.) on Sat., April 5. The Hoyas went 7-11-1 a year ago, placing fifth in the BIG EAST's Blue Division. Navy's 7-8-2 2007 season was highlighted by a win over No. 20 West Virginia in Morgantown.
2008 PENN STATE SPRING SCHEDULE
Saturday, April 5
vs. Georgetown (1 p.m.) and Navy (3 p.m.)
at Annapolis, Md.
Saturday, April 12
vs. Oakland University (3 p.m.) and Harrisburg City Islanders (7 p.m.)
at Lancaster, Pa.
Friday, April 18
vs. Winstars (7 p.m.)
at West Campus turf field, University Park, Pa.
Saturday, April 19
vs. Hofstra (6:30 p.m.) and Bucknell (8:40 p.m.)
at Athens, Pa.
Saturday, April 26
vs. Millersville (10:30 a.m.) and Lafayette (3 p.m.)
at Lancaster, Pa.