Sweeping Past the Boilermakers
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Sweeping Past the Boilermakers

On Thursday evening the Penn State women’s soccer team, ranked number 8 in the NSCAA top 25, took on Purdue University in their second Big Ten matchup of the season. Another “Mack Brady Night” marked the evening as money was raised for the “Mack Brady Memorial Soccer Fund.” Coming off their 3-2 double overtime win against Northwestern last Friday night (9/20), the Nittany Lions started out with notable energy. Indeed, just seven minutes into the game, Penn State sophomore Raquel Rodriguez (#11) capitalized on a cross 8 yards out from senior Maya Hayes (#5) giving the Lions an early lead. Minutes later, however, the Boilermakers responded with a goal of their own from freshman Maddy Williams (#12).

Raquel Rodriguez Photo by Mark SeldersTied 1-1, Penn State was eager for another goal. Numerous opportunities emerged offensively, such as when senior Taylor Schram (#19) slide the ball past the Purdue keeper, only to find out she was ruled offside in a close call. Nevertheless, Penn State continued to penetrate the Purdue defense and Kori Chapic (#14) headed the ball into the net off a corner kick with just under10 minutes left in the half. A 2-1 lead wasn’t enough for the Nittany Lions though. In the last minute of the half, Tani Costa (#22) crossed the ball near the goal and Purdue defense deflected the ball into their own net giving Penn State a 3-1 lead at the half.

The second half proved to be equally favorable for Penn State. Seven minutes into the half, a perfectly placed cross from Emily Hurd (#3) allowed Tani Costa (#22) to flick the ball into the back of the net. This wasn’t Hurd’s only dangerous cross of the game – countless more feeds from the left midfielder created scoring opportunities. Just under 30 minutes left in the half, senior Maya Hayes (#5) took Purdue defender one-on-one and scored, giving the Lions a 5-1 lead. With about 12 minutes left in the game junior Kindrah Kohne (#12) nailed the ball from about 25 yards out, increasing the Penn State goal total to 6.

The Nittany Lions swept past the Boilermakers with a final score of 6-1. Their next game will be against Big Ten rival Indiana at Jeffrey Field this Sunday with a start time of 12 noon.