Oct. 5, 2008
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - No. 25 Penn State remained perfect in Big Ten play after defeating Wisconsin 3-0 on a beautiful day at Jeffrey Field. The Nittany Lions improve to 8-5 (3-0) while the Badgers fall to 6-6-1 (0-4). Junior All-American Katie Schoepfer (Waterford, Conn.) scored two goals for Penn State while Danielle Toney (Northville, Mich.) added one of her own.
Penn State wasted no time taking control as Zoe Bouchelle (Cockeysville, Md.) powered the ball down the field. She then advanced the ball to Schoepfer who was one-on-one with a Badger defender. Some fancy footwork by Schoepfer got her around the defender as she got a straightaway shot into the goal in the 8th minute of play.
Just under five minutes later, Schoepfer scored again for her 6th goal of the year off an Emma Thomson (Retford, England) assist. Once again, Schoepfer maneuvered around a tight Badger defense and blasted a shot into right side of the net.
As Penn State maintained control, Wisconsin's back line put more pressure on the Nittany Lion offense often sticking two defenders on Toney and taking away any pass options. But on a breakaway in the 28th minute, Toney quickly weaved through two defenders and caught Badger keeper Jamie Klages off her feet and fired a point-blank shot into the right corner of the net for her 6th goal of the season.
This was the second time this season that the Nittany Lions have scored three goals in the first half. The last time was in a 4-2 victory over Hofstra on August 29.
Penn State had to face a much more aggressive Wisconsin team in the second half as the Badgers took control early. The Nittany Lion back line broke up key scoring opportunities to maintain the eventual shutout. As Penn State regained control and overall confidence grew, more reserves were able to contribute as Ashley Myers (Bel Air, Md.) had four shots and Bri Garcia (Babylon, N.Y.) added two of her own.
All-American Alyssa Naeher (Seymour, Conn.) proved to be solid in goal picking up two saves while Krissy Tribbett (Centennial, Colo.) added one.
Throughout the game Penn State fired 16 shots, 10 of which were on goal, to Wisconsin's nine. Both teams were even in corner kicks at four each, while Penn State was called on 13 fouls compared to 12 for Wisconsin.
The Nittany Lions have shutout all of their Big Ten opponents in the 2008 campaign to date. Penn State will look to keep the streak alive as the team hits the road next weekend to face Michigan, Friday at 7 p.m. followed by Michigan State on Sunday at noon.