UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- No. 20 Penn State men's soccer powers to a 2-0 performance on Labor Day against St. John's. A clean sheet from Kris Shakes between the pipes allowed the Nittany Lions attack to score two unanswered goals. Sophomore defender Matthew Henderson was responsible for assisting both goals from Peter Mangione and Alex Stevenson.
Penn State moves to a record of 2-0-2 and remains undefeated at Jeffrey Field.
"Tonight was a very challenging match for our players after a quick turnaround from Friday night," said head coach Jeff Cook. "It was a very hot day and we played an outstanding St. John's team. I thought it took us a little while to get going tonight but once we got the first goal, we played with far more confidence in possession, created some really good opportunities and earned an important victory here at Jeffrey Field. I am incredibly proud of our players for showing a very high level of resilience and mental toughness. I look forward to Friday night at home again.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First half
St. John's applied pressure straight from the first whistle, using a shot that went wide right of the goal. A corner kick in the 13th minute threatened the 0-0 score, but the eventual shot missed wide again.
A free kick opportunity for the Nittany Lions gave them their first point of the day in the 26th. Sophomore defender Matthew Henderson took the kick and found Mangione in the box who headed the ball past the St. John's keeper.
The Nittany Lions attack continued to press, adding two more shots right after the pursing kick off. Caden Grabfelder and Liam Butts were responsible for the offensive force.
Penn State maintained the 1-0 edge over the Red Storm going into halftime.
Second half
Atem Kato nearly grabbed another goal for Penn State in the 60th minute when his header off a cross from Henderson hit the right post.
Just two, minutes later, Henderson found himself in another play making opportunity on the corner kick. He sent the ball in the air to Stevenson at the back post who came diving to finish the ball with his head in the 63rd minute.
Femi Awodesu kept the defense strong saving a scoring chance for St. John's from transpiring using a diving header to get the ball out of his backfield.
Sam Ovesen also contributed to a major defensive stop, in a one vs. one situation, reading the Red Storm attacker and stepping at the perfect time. His redirect sent the ball to Samson Kpardeh up top who outran the defender and nearly found the back of the net but was stopped by another player in red.
Awodesu produced another massive tackle to stop the Red Storm attack from putting the shutout in jeopardy. His stop gave possession back to the Nittany Lions for a goal kick.
OF NOTE
- Shakes' four saves today moved him to number four all-time at Penn State in career saves with 226. The keeper also earned his 17th shutout of his career.
- Mangione scored his second goal of the 2023 campaign moving his career total to 23.
- Stevenson notched his third goal of his career.
- Mohamed Cisset recorded his first collegiate start.
- Henderson assisted both goals of the night.
UP NEXT
The Nittany Lions conclude their four-game home stint on Friday, Sept. 8 when they host Penn at Jeffrey Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.