UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Penn State men's soccer defeated Akron by a score of 1-0 on senior night, despite an hour-long weather delay. The Nittany Lions' record improves to 4-2-2 overall, 1-0-1 conference.
FIRST HALF
Both teams maintained steady possessions for the opening minutes of the half. A shot did not come from either side until the 19th minute of the game.
Goalkeeper Kris Shakes made two back-to-back saves on Akron's best offensive chance of the half to keep the score at 0-0.
A trio of corner kicks for the Zips threatened in the 26th minute but the Nittany Lions defense worked out of all three, allowing no shots.
In the final minute of the first half, Tyger Evans carried the ball down the left side of the field and launched it into the box. Liam Butts found the ball with his head and sent it to the right corner of the goal.
The score was 1-0 going into the half, Penn State outshot Akron 7-2.
SECOND HALF
The second half was only underway for 10 minutes before lightning struck the area. The game was delayed for an hour before being resumed.
With 35 minutes left in the game, the Nittany Lions came out of the delay with fire, controlling the ball for the majority of the remaining time.
The Zips had a close scoring opportunity in the 68th minute. An Akron midfielder sent the ball in front of the goal to Renato Kauzlaric who headed it towards the corner. Shakes made a diving save to hold onto the lead.
Penn State kept the score at 1-0 for the rest of the match to down No. 15 Akron.
COOK ON THE GAME
Head coach Jeff Cook said, "I think it was our best outing of the season, our guys were strong and determined from the start and coming back from the delay. We need to build off of this now"
COOK ON THE SENIORS
"This senior class has meant the world to our program and to me. To see them perform like this tonight and get the result is very special for us", said Cook.
OF NOTE
- Butts scored his third goal of the season and 18th of his career.
- Shakes recorded a clean sheet and his 14th career shutout.
- This was Penn State's second win against a ranked opponent this season.
- The Nittany Lions outshot the Zips 11-7.
UP NEXT
The Nittany Lions travel to Villanova for a mid-week, non-conference match. The game will begin at 3:00 p.m. and will be streamed on FloSports.