March 29, 2008
RICHMOND, Va. - Despite a goal from sophomore Katie Schoepfer, Penn State's women's soccer team lost a close 2-1 decision to Virginia in spring play.
UVA jumped out to the early lead, scoring back-to-back goals off a service and a corner kick to go up 2-0 before Schoepfer's goal. All-America goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher found All-America striker Schoepfer on the quick counter, punting into Virginia's back four. Schoepfer was able to chase it down and make the deposit to the far side of the goal past a diving Chantel Jones.
Naeher performed brilliantly again in goal for the Nittany Lions, staving off several good sequences from the Cavalier offense. One of Penn State's best chances to counter came when Schoepfer tried to beat Jones over the top from 35-40 yards out, but Jones was able to get a hand on it and neutralize the threat.
Freshman Danielle Toney also had a good scoring opportunity where she broke left and was able to get it around Cavalier keeper Jones' outstretched arms. The UVA defense was there to save the victory, however, and the game ended a 2-1 loss for the Nittany Lions.
Villanova is up next for Penn State on April 5 in University Park. Game time is 2 p.m.
--NITTANY LIONS--