Sept. 6, 2009
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Sophomore forward Corey Hertzog (Reading, Pa.) netted his first goal of the season in the nick of time, scoring in the 89th minute to propel Penn State (2-1-0) to a 1-0 win over Gonzaga (0-1-1) on Sunday afternoon in Columbus, Ohio. The Nittany Lions' match-up with the Bulldogs was their final game at Ohio State's annual home tournament, the Wolstein Classic.
Senior forward Jason Yeisley (Allentown, Pa.) earned his first assist and seventh point of the year on the game winning play. The PSU team captain has tallied at least one point in each of Penn State's three games thus far this season. Yeisley led the Lions' in shots versus the Zags, recording four.
Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Warren Gross (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) registered four saves in his second shutout of the 2009 campaign and third of his career.
Yeisley and Gross were named to the Wolstein Classic All-Tournament Team following the conclusion of play on Sunday.
Penn State outshot Gonzaga, 16-9, for the game, but it was its final shot with just 1:56 remaining that would prove to be the deciding factor. Off a header pass from Yeisley, Hertzog took a chance and lobbed a beautiful one timer from 20 yards out that found the upper part of the net. The game winner was the second of Hertzog's career.
The Nittany Lions, however, had another prime opportunity to claim the lead. Fifteen minutes earlier, off a corner kick by senior forward Vincent Salvatico (Chester Springs, Pa.), sophomore defender Mark Fetrow (West Chester, Pa.) had a point blank scoring opportunity but his attempt was saved by Gonzaga goalkeeper Scott Barnum.
In the first half, Penn State continued a trend of fast starts to games, gaining a shot advantage over its opponent for the third consecutive contest. Jason Yeisley led the Lions with two.
The attack was balanced in the second half with seven different Nittany Lions getting off shots. Junior midfielder Drew Cost (West Chester, Pa.) was the lone player to tally multiple shots.
The Nittany Lions continue their 2009 home schedule next weekend by welcoming Ohio State, Hartford, and Hofstra to Jeffrey Field for the annual Penn State Classic. On the first day of competition, Fri., Sept. 11, Ohio State will take on Hartford (5 p.m.) and Penn State will face Hofstra (7:30 p.m.). Day two action, scheduled for Sun., Sept. 13, will pit Ohio State versus Hofstra (noon) and Penn State against Hartford (2:30 p.m.). Admission to the Penn State Classic and to all home men's soccer games is free.