UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State ends its first regular season game in a 1-1 draw against Rhode Island. Sean Bettenhausen scored the lone goal for the Nittany Lions.
A back and forth first half made for a 0-0 score after 45 minutes of play. The Nittany Lions came out of halftime strong with three shots.
In the 48th minute, sophomore midfielder Bettenhausen scored his first career goal. Andrew Privett sent the ball in the air across the field to the right to land with Bettenhausen. The midfielder cut the ball past the defender and sent the ball to the back of the net with his left foot.
Kris Shakes had a standout performance in goal to hold the Rams on several occasions from a scoring opportunity. The senior cumulated five saves throughout the match. Jalen Watson also held a strong defense to save another Rhode Island shot from passing the back line, knocking the ball away with his head in the 58thminute.
A penalty goal for the Rams in the 87th minute knotted the score 1-1. Watson received a yellow card in the event and Rhode Island's Rafa Villanueva capitalized on the opportunity with a shot just under the crossbar.
OF NOTE
- Freshman Samuel Ovesen made his first collegiate career start at right back.
- Fifth year Olu Ogunwale appeared in his first match as a Nittany Lion.
- Freshman Quentin Flowers got his first collegiate minutes off the bench.
UP NEXT
The Nittany Lions travel to Syracuse for a Sunday evening match up. The game will kick off at 6:00 p.m. and will be televised on the ACC Network.