Sept. 4, 2009
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Penn State men's soccer team dropped a hard-fought overtime decision to Cal State Fullerton (1-0-0), 2-1, on Friday night at the Wolstein Classic in Columbus, Ohio, denying the Nittany Lions their first 2-0 start since 2000.
Senior forward Jason Yeisley (Allentown, Pa.) continued his torrid start to the 2009 season, netting his third goal in two games. Sophomore midfielder Mackenzie Arment (Manheim, Pa.) earned an assist on the play; his first of the year and fourth of his career. Redshirt sophomore Warren Gross (Saratoga Springs, Pa.) played all 90 minutes in goal, registering three saves.
Penn State (1-1-0) picked up where it left off after Tuesday's night rout of Saint Francis by dominating play in the first half. Control of possession by the Nittany Lions paid off in the 30th minute when Yeisley received a crossing pass from Arment and rocketed a shot to the back post and into net. The goal was the 19th of Yeisley's career and gave PSU a 1-0 advantage.
The Nittany Lions had several chances to extend their lead before the break but could not capitalize; a shortcoming that would come back to haunt them in the second half.
In the 48th minute, Cal State Fullerton's Celso Alvarez scored the game's equalizer putting in a shot from 15 yards out off a rebound.
The teams would battle for the final 42 minutes of regulation time but neither could gain an advantage, sending the game to overtime.
Just three minutes into the extra period, Fullerton's Jamall Farquharson ended the game. A Penn State turnover in its own zone and failed clear attempt opened the door for the Titans and Farquharson proved to be opportunistic, scoring the game winner.
The Nittany Lions will finish out play at the Wolstein Classic against Gonzaga (1-0-0) on Sun., Sept. 6 at noon. Fans can follow all of the action of the Penn State-Gonzaga match-up on the Internet with live stats and instant scoring updates. Find a link on the official website of Nittany Lion athletics, www.GoPSUsports.com.