Sept. 4, 2011
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Penn State men's soccer head coach Bob Warming secured his 400th career win on Sunday afternoon, as the No. 15 Nittany Lions downed Florida International (1-2-1), 1-0, in Columbus on the final day of action at the Wolstein Classic. The game was delayed for an hour and a half due to rain storms, which included a heavy dose of lightning, that rumbled through central Ohio.
Warming becomes just the 31st coach in NCAA men's soccer history to reach the 400-win milestone. A coaching veteran of 34 years, he ranks sixth among active Division I head coaches and 15th all-time in career wins. His current overall record stands at 400-189-61 (.662).
"For me, I feel blessed to have been in the game this long," said Warming. "So many friends have left the game for one reason or another. I am just really blessed to be at Penn State and get this win."
Senior midfielder Mackenzie Arment (Manheim, Pa.) scored the game winner on a soft and soggy Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium field with sophomore forward Jordan Tyler (Rochester, Mich.) earning his first point of the season by assisting on the play. Freshman goalkeeper Andrew Wolverton (Snellville, Ga.) recorded a career-high five saves in earning his third shutout of the season.
Arment, junior Julian Cardona (Lincoln, Neb.), and sophomore Grant Warming (Omaha, Neb.) were honored on the Wolstein Classic All-Tournament team for their standout play.
The teams played to a scoreless tie in the first half. Penn State (3-1-0) had the advantage in shots, registering eight to FIU's four, but could not break through to claim a lead.
The Nittany Lions went ahead for the first time and what would prove to be for good in the 58th minute. On the counterattack, Tyler sent a pass from the center of the field wide to a streaking Arment. From 15 yards out, Arment sent a high blast towards goal that cleared the goalkeeper's reach, smashed off the crossbar, and went into net. The goal was Arment's first of the season and the fifth of his career.
Penn State would withstand several late challenges from FIU to uphold its lead and gain the Lions' third win of the season.
"The back four did a great job today," said Warming. "Things were much tighter and FIU's chances were limited. Andrew (Wolverton) was more confident and played much better."
Penn State narrowly outshot Florida International, 11-10, for the game, but the Golden Panthers had a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal. Corner kicks were 7-3 in favor of the Nittany Lions.
Penn State returns to Happy Valley next week, kicking off a two-game home stand on Friday, Sept. 9 when it hosts Saint Peter's (0-2-0) in a 7 p.m. contest at Jeffrey Field.
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