Aug. 29, 2008
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Twenty-one year head coach Barry Gorman won his 250th career game at Penn State on Friday evening, as his Nittany Lions decisively defeated Central Florida, 2-0, in their 2008 season opener at host Ohio State's Wolstein Classic in Columbus, Ohio. Junior defender Bobby Bohlen (Port Jefferson, N.Y.) and senior midfielder Ryan Badaracco (Wexford, Pa.) netted goals and Penn State outshot Central Florida, 26-7, for the game.
The victory is the Nittany Lions' first in season opening action since 2001. Penn State is now 11-9-1 in season openers under Gorman.
"I think we did well for the first game," said Gorman. "Overall, we had a lot of good performances and our subs did well. We are combining well. We are a little out of sync but that is understandable. The good news is is that we are creating scoring opportunities."
Penn State came out of the gates the offensive aggressor, controlling both pace and possession. The only thing that slowed the Nittany Lions down in the first half was a 20 minute lightning delay. While the Lions had several excellent scoring opportunities, UCF goalkeeper Sean Johnson prevented conversion on those chances with key saves, including one off one of his own players during a corner kick play.
In the second half, opportunity became fortune starting in the 69th minute. Off a corner kick from junior midfielder Frank Costigliola (Dix Hills, N.Y.), Bobby Bohlen crashed the box, connected with the pass in, and downward headed the ball into net. The goal was the first of his career.
Penn State upped its lead to 2-0 just over nine minutes later. Ryan Badaracco was the recipient of a nice slip pass from freshman midfielder MacKenzie Arment (Manheim, Pa.). The team tri-captain, who was playing in his first game after missing the entire 2007 season due to a knee injury, then darted a shot from 10 yards out from right corner to left post. The goal was the second of Badaracco's career.
"It was great to have Ryan back out there," Gorman said. "He is such a steady player. He is brings a strong presence out there for us."
Redshirt sophomore Liam Fitzwater (Schuylkill Haven, Pa.) started his first career game in goal, recording two saves. The Penn State defense, led by sophomore Andres Casais (Caracas, Venezuela) and senior Andy Machi (Upper St. Clair, Pa.), was stout in front of him, allowing Central Florida seven total shots, including just three in the second half.
The Nittany Lions will go for their first opening weekend sweep since 2000 on Sunday when they meet Florida Gulf Coast at noon in the finale of the Wolstein Classic.
Penn State will open its 2008 home schedule next weekend by welcoming Ohio State, Bucknell, and Tulsa to Jeffrey Field for the annual Penn State Classic. On the first day of competition, Fri., Sept. 5, No. 9 Ohio State will take on Bucknell (5 p.m.) and Penn State will face No. 23 Tulsa (7:30 p.m.). Day two action, scheduled for Sun., Sept. 7, will pit Ohio State versus Tulsa (noon) and Penn State against Bucknell (3:30 p.m.). Both Sunday games will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.