Penn State Men’s Soccer Defeats UC Santa Barbara, Moves on in NCAA Tourney

Story posted November 29, 2013 in CommRadio, Sports by Tim Alvarez

The Penn State men’s soccer team advanced in the NCAA Tournament, beating the 10th-seeded University of California Santa Barbara, 1-0 on a goal by freshman Connor Maloney, in the 78th minute. The game was very physical and saw 37 combined fouls from both sides. Penn State gained an early advantage from a red card to Santa Barbara player, Fifi Baiden.

The Nittany Lion defense had a great game, holding the undermanned Santa Barbara squad to only four shots, only one of which was on goal. However, Penn State goalkeeper Andrew Wolverton did have to make a diving save off a header from Achille Campion. The save preserved the 23rd career shutout for the junior keeper, Wolverton.

Maloney’s goal came on a great pass from Jordan Tyler. The goal was Maloney’s second career goal and could not have come in a bigger spot. The assist was Tyler’s first of the year, tying him in the lead for points with Maloney. both have 11.

Penn State plays in the Sweet 16 against New Mexico Sunday, December 1st, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Penn State defense will have to step up again for the Nittany Lions to have any hope at making the Elite 8.

Timothy Alvarez is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email tva5063@psu.edu.