Penn State Downs No. 22 Rutgers, 2-0Penn State Downs No. 22 Rutgers, 2-0
Mark Selders

Penn State Downs No. 22 Rutgers, 2-0

Opens in a new window Box Score (PDF)
Box Score

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Penn State men's soccer team (7-3-1, 3-0-0 Big Ten) recorded its second-straight Big Ten road shutout to remain undefeated in the Big Ten as it downed 22nd-ranked Rutgers (7-2-2, 1-2-1 Big Ten), 2-0, Tuesday evening at Yurcak Field live on Big Ten Network.
 
"I thought that was a fantastic game of Big Ten soccer tonight – two teams that really attacked and tried their best to win the game," said head coach Jeff Cook. "I'm delighted that we could come out with a road victory. The determination and teamwork of our group was excellent and we were able to score in a key time in the match on a fantastic move and very brave header by Danny Bloyou. It was an excellent defensive effort by Kris Shakes and our back four to secure a shutout against a very talented Rutgers team."
 
As most games are in the Big Ten, it was a fast first half with lots of offensive chances by both teams. Rutgers seemed to establish possession in the first five minutes or so before Penn State tilted the possession toward its advantage and started ripping off chances at net.
 
In the 28th minute, junior Liam Butts had a shot centered at the net that was saved by Scarlet Knights' goalkeeper and reigning Big Ten Defender of the Week Oren Asher.
 
After a corner kick attempt by Rutgers in the 39th minute, junior goalkeeper Kris Shakes had a great goal kick down the field to Butts who passed it off to redshirt senior Pierre Reedy. Reedy then played senior Danny Bloyou who just flew into the box and used his head to put the ball in the back of the net to give the Nittany Lions the first goal of the game.

 
Stats were close at the break, but Penn State would carry an 8-7 advantage in shots and a 6-5 advantage in corner kicks with a 1-0 lead.
 
The second half would start a little slower than a match as a whole, with the first shot not coming until the 61st minute by the Scarlet Knights and a save by Shakes.
 
In the 73rd minute, senior Seth Kuhn nearly made it 2-0 on a shot toward the corner of the back post that just barely missed off target.
 
Rutgers continued to put the pressure on the Penn State defense to find the equalizer in the second half, forcing Shakes to make three saves in the second 45.

 
About 10 minutes later, junior Alex Stevenson drew a foul in the box as he got tripped up on a run in the box, setting up a penalty kick opportunity for the Nittany Lions.
 
Reedy stepped up to the spot to take the PK and converted to give Penn State some insurance with about seven minutes to play in the match.

 
The Penn State defense contained the Scarlet Knights for the remainder of the game to secure its second-straight shutout and fourth of the season.
 
UP NEXT
Penn State returns to the friendly confines of Jeffrey Field after three-straight road matches to face Michigan on Sunday, Oct. 10. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. and will broadcast live on Big Ten Network with Dean Linke (pxp) and Tim Lehanan (analyst) on the call.
 
GAME NOTES

  • Junior Danny Bloyou recorded his second game-winning goal of the season in consecutive games.
  • Redshirt senior Pierre Reedy registered a season-high three points on a goal and an assist.
  • Junior goalkeeper Kris Shakes recorded his second consecutive shutout and third this season.  He now owns 10 career shutouts including six in Big Ten play.
  • Penn State picked up its ninth-straight win over Rutgers dating back to the 2014 season.
  • Penn State is 3-0-0 to start Big Ten play for the first time since 2014 in which that season it started conference play with four-straight wins.