Oct. 23, 2009
Game Notes • • • Twitter Feed
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. --The Penn State women's soccer team looks to extend its five-game unbeaten streak when it hosts Illinois on Sunday at Jeffrey Field. The game, set to be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network, will kick off at 2:00 p.m. and is a White House event for all fans attending.
The Nittany Lions are looking to their supporters to dress in white for the nationally broadcast game. Additionally, fans are encouraged to sit in the East Stands across from the team benches. For easiest access to the East Stands, spectators should park in the Beaver Stadium West Lot (access off Park Avenue).
Penn State will look for its 10th-straight victory over the Illini at Jeffrey Field on Sunday. A win would keep the Nittany Lions on pace with Ohio State, which was 3-0 victors at Illinois last night.
OSU has a three-point advantage over Penn State, but has played one extra game in league play. The Buckeyes play co-third-place team Purdue at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.
For those not in the coverage area to see the televised game, click on the audio link at the top of the page or go to the schedule page and listen to GoPSUsports.com All-Access for live in-game coverage. Also, updates can be found on Twitter @PSUWomensSoccer.
Illinois Fighting Illini
(6-6-3; 1-3-2 Big Ten)
at
Penn State Nittany Lions
(8-5-2; 4-1-1 Big Ten)
Game #16: October 25, 2009 • 2:00 p.m. • Jeffrey Field • University Park, Pa.
GAME DAY
VENUE (CAPACITY): Jeffrey Field (5,000)
SURFACE: Grass
TELEVISION COVERAGE: Big Ten Network (Live)
TALENT: Frank Giardina, Chris Doran, John Coleman
AUDIO COVERAGE: GoPSUsports.com All-Access
TALENT: Greg Boyce (pxp), Eric Reed (color)
SERIES RECORD VS. ILL: Penn State leads, 17-2-0
LAST MEETING: 10/24/08, PSU 2-0 (Champaign, Ill.)
NEXT GAME: Thursday, 10/29 at Indiana, 7:00 p.m. ET
GAME STORIES
• The Lions move into first-place after 1-0-1 Midwest road trip
• Penn State hosts the White House on Big Ten Network vs. Illinois
• PSU will try to win its 18th match in 20 tries against the Fightin Illini
• Katie Schoepfer has scored in six-straight games, fourth all-time at PSU; Earned Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week Award (10/19)
• PSU to miss Lexi Marton and Rachel Lamarre to Canada U-20 training camp
GAME NOTES
LAST WEEKEND: The Penn State women's soccer team entered a two-game Midwest swing against top-ranked Big Ten teams Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Nittany Lions came out with a 1-0-1 record thanks to some heroics at Minnesota (Katie Schoepfer's 90th minute blast and a career-high 12 saves from Alyssa Naeher for a 1-0 win) and a resurgent Wisconsin team (stormed back from a two-goal deficit in the final 16 minutes for a 3-3 tie). Nevertheless, Penn State found itself perched atop the standings with Ohio State at 13 points, one clear of Wisconsin and two above Purdue after the weekend play. Danielle Toney and Christine Nairn continued their offensive firepower, each supplying a goal at Wisconsin.
SCOUTING THE ILLINI: Illinois was dominated from start to finish in a 3-0 Thursday night blowout again Ohio State. The Buckeyes out-shot the Illini 10-1 in the first half en route to the three-goal win. After a promising 5-3-1 start, Illinois has struggled in the Big Ten (1-3-2). A 3-1 win last week at last-place Iowa was the first road victory since Sept. 26, 2008, a 10-game stretch. Up front, Jordan Hilbrands is the most dangerous target leading the Illini with six goals and an assist. In net, Alexandra Kapicka has seen all 1,410 minutes sporting a 1.21 goals-against average with a .750 save percentage and three shutouts.
PACK THE WHITE HOUSE: With the Big Ten Network in town, fans are encouraged to wear white and join the Nittany Lions for Sunday's clash with the Illini at 2:00 p.m.  Additionally, Penn State Athletics hopes to promote the event and have fans utilize the East Stands closest to Beaver Stadium to show a national audience who the best fans in Big Ten soccer are. For easiest convenience, fans should park in the Beaver Stadium West Lot (entrance off Park Avenue) and take the short walk to the East Stands and cheer on the Nittany Lions.
SCHOEPFER HONORS: Senior forward Katie Schoepfer was recognized by the Big Ten for her efforts at Minnesota and Wisconsin by being named the Co-Offensive Player of the Week. It's the fourth time Schoepfer has earned the weekly award from the conference office.
Check out the full release in PDF format here.
--NITTANY LIONS--