Nov. 20, 2015
By Miranda Kulp, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The 2015 season was full of ups and downs for Penn State men's soccer team. Despite the dedication and handwork from all,the team fell in a heartbreaking overtime loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Quarterfinals
However, this season was much more than a Cinderella story ended early. The men who created the 2015 Nittany Lions were family both on and off the field and played as such. Ending with an overall record of 7-8-2, the Blue and White have no regrets about how the team played this season.
"Despite any downs we had this season the team always kept our heads high," said veteran player Connor Maloney.
The Lions started the season strong and continued to battle throughout. They started the season with hosting opening weekend and clinching a win against San Francisco and tying with Navy. Throughout the season the team faced many tough components but always battled.
"Although the season didn't end the way we wanted it to I'm still extremely proud of the guys and we're going to miss a lot of the seniors next year," stated Maloney.
For the 2015 season, the team was led by nine seniors who will all greatly be missed next season. One thing that goes beyond the statistics is how close the members of this season's team were to one another.
"Both on and off the field these guys are some of my best friends-they're my family," said Maloney. "Being as close of a team we were, it makes everything easier. We get through the tough times together but on the same note we celebrate the big wins together as one family."
Throughout the season the Lions had their share of tough loses and ties, however they never lost hope. The team was the definition of what it means to play as a family and they represented that throughout every match.
Moving on from the season, the Lions are taking what they learned from this year to grow.
"I think the guys now know what we're working with coming into the next year. We have the ability and the chemistry so I think we have potential to grow from this past season," stated Maloney.
Although the season didn't end exactly how the Nittany Lions wanted, this team will be remembered for never giving up and fighting together as one team.