Oct. 13, 2013
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The No. 11 Penn State women's soccer team was unable to capitalize on its offensive opportunities on Sunday as the Nittany Lions fell, 1-0, to No. 19 Michigan. Sunday's match marks the Lions' first home loss since August 24 of last season when they fell to then-No. 1 Stanford.
Despite outshooting the Wolverines 21-7, the Blue and White (10-3-1, 4-2-0 Big Ten)could not find the back of the net, resulting in their third loss of the 2013 campaign and fourth-ever loss to Michigan (10-2-1, 4-1-1 Big Ten). Ultimately, a cross by U-M forward Nkem Ezurike led to a scoring opportunity for senior Tori Combs, who tapped the game-winner in from point blank range in the 67th minute.
The Nittany Lions had two deep shots on net in the first half but their best opportunity came early on as senior Taylor Schram (Canonsburg, Pa.) made an attempt from six yards out in the fifth minute but the ball was off target, rolling just wide of the net.
Penn State had several good looks in the second half, including an attempt by Maya Hayes (West Orange, N.J.) in the 59th minute. The senior fired the ball from 12 yards out but could not get past Wolverine keeper Taylor Bucklin, who collected the save.
Kori Chapic (Novelty, Ohio) nearly scored the equalizer in the 75th minute, sending the ball over the heads of Michigan defenders, but she just missed as the ball skimmed the top of the goal.
Another chance came in the 79th minute as Raquel Rodriguez (San Jose, Costa Rice) sent a diving header towards the goal, but her attempt did not have enough power behind it as Bucklin jumped over to make another save.
The Lions made three more attempts but none found the back of the net, leaving the final score a 1-0.
PSU returns to Jeffrey Field on Thursday to host Ohio State. The 3:00 p.m. game will air live on the Big Ten Network.