Oct. 16, 2016
By Zach Reagan, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State's strong backline play was rewarded Saturday night when defender Robby Sagel scored a game-winning header in double overtime to lift the Nittany Lions past No. 19 Michigan State, 1-0.
The match remained scoreless until the 103rd minute when Riley Grant took a hooking free kick from about 40 yards out that found a leaping Sagel, who headed the goal to beat Michigan State's keeper. Sagel, a humble team-first player, proceeded to celebrate by tearing his jersey off immediately before getting mobbed by his teammates.
"It could have been anybody," said Sagel. "I really could care less that it was me. I'm just glad it happened, it's unreal."
It was fitting that Sagel's second career goal sealed the deal for Penn State, because defense doesn't get much individual recognition in comparison to forwards who score goals. Also, the last time Penn State knocked off a top 20 opponent on Sept. 13, 2015 against then-No.10 Indiana, Sagel scored his first career goal.
The senior from Las Vegas, Nevada also played a key role in helping the Nittany Lions (6-6-1, 3-3-0 Big Ten) keep the Spartans (9-3-1, 3-2-1 Big Ten) without a goal and to snap Michigan State's five-game stretch without a loss.
"As defenders, the thing we're most proud of is blanking the other team," said Sagel.
Penn State's defenders have had their fair share of challenges so far this season. Head coach Bob Warming adjusted the lineup due to injuries and to see what would work best. The defense is continuing to get better. Penn State posted clean sheets in the past two matches.
"They're organized in the back and they're together," said Warming. "They're squeezing at the right time and dropping off at the right time. I'm really proud of the progress they made."
It's what we have to do to move forward," said Warming. "We've been giving up way too many goals. I feel like our guys are settling in and I give a lot of credit to Robby and Mitch [Bringolf]. Mitch played top class center back today. The things he did were unbelievable."
New pieces of the defense, Ryan Gallagher and Riley Grant have both stepped in to contribute for Penn State's backline. Warming applauded their key contributions.
"Ryan Gallagher has done everything right for the last three years to put himself in position to play for us," said Warming. "Two games. Two shutouts. Unbelievable for him. Riley, we put back there and Riley never played in the back before. He did well."
Aside from superb defensive play, the Nittany Lions knocked on the door with great scoring chances in the first overtime session after minimal chances in regulation. Grant found Dayonn Harris in the box but Harris' shot went just wide right of the net.
A few minutes later, a hard slide tackle from Michigan State on Harris awarded Penn State a penalty kick. Team scoring leader Connor Maloney took the penalty kick. Maloney shot left and Michigan State's goalkeeper went left in order to save the shot.
Missing a penalty kick didn't deflate Maloney or his teammates, instead they were more motivated to score. Early in the second overtime, Sagel got the job done when he found the back of the net.
Penn State is playing its best soccer of the year as the Big Ten regular season slate winds down with two Big Ten games and two non-conference games remaining. The Nittany Lions look to continue their winning ways against Akron Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
For more information on Nittany Lion men's soccer, log onto www.GoPSUsports.com and follow the team on the various social media platforms.