Oct. 19, 2016
By Zach Reagan, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - In a game filled with a host of scoring chances, two overtimes weren't enough to break a 2-2 deadlock between Penn State and No. 22 Akron Tuesday night at Jeffrey Field.
"I think the whole game was a great advertisement for college soccer," said Penn State head coach Bob Warming. "This is what great college soccer should look like: skillful, teams play hard, move the ball well and they were exciting players on the field on both teams. I'd like to play this game every week."
Penn State's offense moved the ball into Akron's defensive end early and often. The Nittany Lions (6-6-2) knew Akron (7-4-2) could make things happen offensively after the Zips scored seven goals in their last match, but knew their aggressive play could be taken advantage of.
"We put two more attacking midfielders so I got to play alongside my brother which is always awesome. We were a lot more attacking minded today," said team captain Maloney. "We knew they were throwing guys forward so we threw guys forward because we knew they weren't going to have as many back. We put guys forward and we had those opportunities. We finished two of them but we could have finished more but that's how the game of soccer is."
Connor Maloney and Dayonn Harris constantly were on the attack. Right out of the gates, the Nittany Lions were on the prowl. Despite having several near goals but not finding the back of the net, Harris put fear into Akron's defense with his blazing speed to get behind the defense, craftiness and peskiness. His play ultimately led to Penn State's two goals on the night
"His activity level is insane right now," said Warming. "They had no answer for him. It was unbelievable."
Penn State found themselves trailing early to Akron. In the 11th minute, Stuart Holthusen took a lead pass to get behind the backline. Penn State goalkeeper Evan Finney didn't fully commit to coming out to get the ball causing Holthusen to shoot it around Finney to the right side of the net. It was rolling wide but he chased it down and tapped it in the right corner. Surprisingly, Holthusen's first score was the only goal of the half, despite both teams having multiple opportunities to score.
The Nittany Lions finally broke through for a goal in the 65th minute to tie the score 1-1 when Harris received a pass at the top of the box. He then dished it back to Maloney who hit a perfectly placed kick from just outside the box into the top right corner of the net, beating Akron's leaping 6-foot-7 goalkeeper. Penn State's scoring leader notched his first goal since scoring off a penalty kick Sept. 13 against Ohio State.
But Maloney wasn't done. A few minutes later in the 74th minute, once again Harris had the ball deep into the box. An Akron defender tried to clear the ball but it deflected off Harris onto the foot of Maloney all alone in the red side of the box. Maloney capitalized for his sixth goal of the season as he drilled it into the lower right corner just before Akron's diving keeper could get there. Maloney knows it's the goal scorer who usually gets the credit, but said Harris deserved it more than anyone for Maloney's two goals
"Dayonn worked very, very hard tonight and got those assists for me so a credit to him," said Maloney.
Several minutes later, Akron knotted the score at 2-2 when Holthusen headed a cross for a goal. The Zips recorded many scoring opportunities throughout the back and forth game. Last minute chances didn't result in any goals for either team so extra time was needed on what felt like a summer night.
An extra 20 minutes on top of regulation still couldn't decide the game. Akron's constant pressure in overtime caused the Nittany Lions to be on their heels. The new, rearranged backline bent but didn't break. Former Akron player now Penn State defender Riley Grant has settled into his new role switching from forward.
"It's tricky since I never played there before but coach is helping me out with film and all the guys are talking on the field so I know where to be," said Grant. "I'm getting accustomed to it now so it should be a good thing going."
Playing against his old school and against former high school teammate Brad Ruhaak isn't anything new for Grant as they have matched up every year since he's transferred to Penn State. The relaxed, soft-spoken, Copley, Ohio native seemed to take it as just another game.
"I did it every year since I transferred," said Grant. "I'm used to it, it's another game. It's good to see all those guys again. When I go home, I see them a lot."
Penn State has beat and tied ranked teams in their last two matches and that's going a long way for the team's confidence.
"Our confidence is soaring right now to honest with you," Maloney. "Especially going into the end of the season, this is where you want to be your best; right now we are at our best."
Penn State's explosive weapons are hitting stride and playing more as a unit which is a good sign as the regular season ticks down in time for the all-important postseason.
A favorable result again a ranked team is a good sign, but seven of Penn State's 14 matches this year have required extra time. Warming is pleased with his team's hard work but knows of the wear and tear of a long, grueling college season. After playing games Sunday and Tuesday, he looks to get his guys back in top condition for Friday's game at home against Rutgers.
"They were really exhausted," said Warming. We're going to take a couple days to do 're-gen' with everybody. They've had great work ethic coming early, staying late and doing extra shooting on the goalkeepers, now we're in that phase of the year where you have to manage your body because everyone is starting to break down a bit."
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