Men’s Soccer Downs Spartans, 2-1, in B1G Road WinMen’s Soccer Downs Spartans, 2-1, in B1G Road Win
Steven Walter

Men’s Soccer Downs Spartans, 2-1, in B1G Road Win

Danielson and Daouda post goals in the Nittany Lion's first road win of 2025

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Penn State men’s soccer traveled to East Lansing, Michigan, on Friday evening to take on a Michigan State team that was receiving national attention after downing No. 3 Indiana and No. 5 Michigan last week. The Nittany Lions stuck to the game plan, posting a 2-1 road win for the team’s first win in Big Ten competition this season. Scores from redshirt senior Van Danielson and sophomore Malick Daouda pushed PSU to victory.

Penn State improves to 4-4-2 (1-2-1 B1G) with the road win, while Michigan State drops to 5-5-0 (2-3-0 B1G).

 

HOW IT HAPPENED

First half

Most of the opening 10 minutes was spent with the ball on a Michigan State player’s foot. While the Spartans maintained most of the possession, the Nittany Lion defense prevented so much as a shot through the 14th minute.

MSU got the first chance on frame after intercepting a pass in the Penn State defensive end in the 15th minute, but Jonathan Evans trekked out to the top of his box to make the diving stop and keep the score level.

Michigan State got the second shot of the game at the 18th minute off a loose ball following an MSU corner kick, but the striker headed the ball into the cross bar, and Penn State drew a foul to clear out the box.

Evans’s quick reaction save in the 25th minute prevented MSU from taking the lead.

Penn State’s first stroke of offense came in the 32nd minute when the team was awarded a corner kick, but Michigan State netminder Zac Kelly grabbed the ball out of the air before PSU could make second contact.

Another corner chance for the Nittany Lions ended quick after the second ball in struck a Penn State hand, setting up a free clear for the Spartans.

In the 38th minute, Danielson subbed on and less than a minute later made his presence known by getting the first Nittany Lion shot of the evening, narrowly missing outside of the left post with his 1-on-1 look against the Spartan goalkeeper.

Michigan State broke the tie in the 39th minute on a quick buildup counterattack stemming from the ensuing goal kick from Danielson’s shot, taking a 1-0 lead.

Less than five minutes later, Danielson answered when a pass from Freddie Bell ended up near his feet. The forward flicked the ball back passed his shoulder, finding the back of the net to level the game at one before halftime. Junior Caden Grabfelder also earned an assist on the score.

 

Second half

Graduate student Kai Phillip opened the second half with an early yellow card after challenging the Michigan State goalkeeper on a loose ball in the home team’s defensive end. Six minutes later, MSU receive its only card of the contest, a yellow.

The Nittany Lions evened out the possession battle in the second half, facilitating more of the game.

Malick Daouda took the lead in the 74th minute, burying a feed from Christian Dionne that found the crashing Daouda, whose strike flew beyond the Michigan State goalkeeper to put PSU up, 2-1.

MSU rallied a few chances in the closing minutes, but none hit home, powering Penn State to its first road win of 2025.

 

OF NOTE

  • Penn State’s two goals marked the most in a road game since a 2-1 win at St. John’s on September 24, 2024.
  • Daouda is now tied with Dionne, Grabfelder, and Phillip for team lead in goals with two.
  • Grabfelder’s point streak has moved to four straight games, all coming on assists.
  • Danielson’s goal total now moves to 10 on his career.

 

UP NEXT

The Nittany Lions return home this weekend to wrap up a rare three-match week, hosting King’s College in the team’s senior day celebration on Sunday, October 5. Kickoff at Jeffrey Field is set for 3 p.m. Action will be streamed live on B1G+.