UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State men’s soccer dropped their final regular season home match of the 2024 campaign against Wisconsin, 2-0, on Saturday evening.
The Nittany Lions fall to 5-8-2 overall and 2-5-2 in the Big Ten. Wisconsin improves to 7-5-2 and 2-5-2 in the conference. Despite the loss, Penn State still holds the all-time series, 23-13-4. The Badgers and the Nittany Lions are now tied in the Big Ten standings at eighth with eight points.
Former head coach Herb Schmidt was recognized at halftime for his contributions during his six seasons at the helm of the program from 1968-73. Post match, men’s soccer celebrated seniors Atem Kato, Sean Bettenhausen, Ben Liscum and Van Danielson as well as Team IMPACT senior Levi Hanis.
HOW IT HAPPENED
FIRST HALF
Two first half Wisconsin goals proved to be the difference in Saturday’s match. The Badgers opened scoring in the eighth minute as Thomas Raimbault sent a cross into the box that went past Nittany Lion goalkeeper Andrew Cooke.
Wisconsin doubled their lead in the 42nd when Matthew Zachemski sent a cross into the box and Ryan Quintos headed the ball into the back of the net.
SECOND HALF
The Nittany Lions had two good looks on goal in the second half from Freddie Bell and Ben Madore which were stopped by the Badgers goalkeeper.
COACH COOK ON THE MATCH
“I want to start off by thanking our seniors. They have given so much to the program during their time at Penn State. It’s really unfortunate that we couldn’t get a better result on Senior Night. I want to acknowledge each of the four seniors and Levi that have meant so much to us.”
“We hope that we can find a way to come back from this result and make it to the Big Ten Tournament. I think there’s still a lot of belief.”
MATCH NOTES
- Chase Oliver and Samuel Ovesen made their returns to the Starting XI. Oliver has started six matches this season, while Ovesen has started in 11, respectively.
- Sophomores Freddie Bell and Ben Madore led the offensive efforts for the Nittany Lions with two shots each, one of which was on goal. Caden Grabfelder, Morgan Marshall, Van Danielson and Kojo Dadzie all registered a shot a piece.
- Penn State outshot Wisconsin, 8-3. The squad also held the 6-5 edge on corner kicks.
- Goalkeeper Andrew Cooke is 2-8-2 between the posts.
UP NEXT
Penn State men’s soccer will close out their 2024 regular season at Northwestern on Sunday, November 3 at 2 p.m. (ET). The match will be streamed live on Big Ten Plus.