UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – A game-winning goal by Ally Schlegel in the 78th minute lifted Penn State to a 2-1 win over #19 Purdue on senior day at Jeffrey Field. The women's soccer program honored senior captains Kerry Abello and Sam Coffey prior to the match.
How It Happened
It was a quiet first half between the Nittany Lions and the Boilermakers.
Purdue recorded eight shots in the first 45 minutes but just three were on goal. All three shots were from long range as the Nittany Lion defense did not allow any easy looks on net.
Sam Coffey had the best scoring opportunity for the Nittany Lions in the first half in the 40th minute but her shot was saved by a diving Purdue keeper.
The teams went into the half knotted at 0-0.
In the second half, Rachel Wasserman created an early chance as she blast a left-footed shot that was saved again by a diving Boilermaker keeper.
Purdue scored in the 58th minute on a perfectly placed header to take a 1-0 lead. Sarah Griffith scored her Big Ten leading 13th goal of the season to give Purdue the advantage.
Less that three minutes later, Schlegel sent a perfect ball to Jordan Canniff. Canniff took the ball in stride and blasted a shot under the Purdue goalkeeper and tied the game at 1-1.
Coffey, the NCAA active leader in assists, found Schlegel in the box in the 78th minute. Schlegel netted her fifth goal of the season and fourth game-winner to give Penn State a 2-1 advantage.
The Penn State defense held firm for the final 12 minutes of action and Penn State picked up its third-straight victory.
Additional Notes
Penn State picked up its fourth win over a ranked opponent this season. Penn State now has wins over #13 West Virginia, #3 Virginia, #18 Wisconsin and #19 Purdue. Penn State also defeated Hofstra 2-1 earlier this season. Hofstra is ranked #12 in the latest United Soccer Coaches poll.
Ally Schlegel now has 29 goals in her Penn State career. 11 of which are game-winners, including today's game-winning goal.
Sam Coffey's assist on Schlegel's goal now gives her 52 in her career and 28 at Penn State. Coffey moves into a tie for 8th all-time in PSU history with Emily Hurd and Raquel Rodriguez.
Jordan Canniff now has scored three goals in her last two games.
Penn State now has double-digits wins in every season in program history.
The Nittany Lions improved to 19-1-2 all-time against Purdue.
