Nittany Lions Move To 4-0 in Conference Play With 2-1 Win Over Michigan.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Nittany Lions took on the Michigan Wolverines in a Sunday matinee at Jeffrey Field. The Nittany Lions (7-3-1) were undefeated in conference play coming into this matchup.
Both teams were very active on the attack. The Wolverines had 10 shot attempts in the first half, which forced the Nittany Lions to make some defensive adjustments.
“You can’t choose a team's tactics or their approach. You have to react to it,” head coach Jeff Cook said. “I give my guys high marks for sticking to it today.”
This was the 28th all-time matchup between the two squads. It was a high paced and physical match that featured a total of 22 fouls. Penn State had 13 of them.
“That is very much what a championship level Big Ten game looks like when both teams are desperate to get three points,” Cook said.
Penn State finally got on the board just four minutes into the second half, with a goal from Andrew Privett. His fifth of the season.
“He’s just a really technically gifted player,” Midfielder Seth Kuhn said. “You can trust him in tight spots, open space and most of all he combines that well with being really good defensively.”
Privett now leads the Nittany Lions in goals and points.
The penalties continued to climb and the Wolverines were eventually awarded a penalty kick where Marc Ybarra tied the game. That goal was the first that Penn State goaltender Kris Shakes has allowed since Sep. 25.
“Mentally it's the hardest thing to give up a goal and have a team tie it up,” Kuhn said. “To keep your composure after that and to chase the second goal. I think it shows the mentality of our group and I think that’s defined us.”
Penn State took the lead after an own goal from Michigan at the 68th minute mark. This came after Michigan forward Derick Broche was assessed a red card. The composure of the Nittany Lions after that play was what gave them their third straight win.
“You can get caught up in that emotion and the physicality and the back and forth,” Cook said. “Being composed in the moment and not getting distracted by things you really don’t have any control over.”
Next, Penn State will travel to Ohio to take on the Akron Zips.
Jacob Cheris is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jacobcheris19@gmail.com.
