Penn State Men’s Soccer Upends Defending Champ Indiana

Story posted October 6, 2013 in CommRadio, Sports by Tim Alvarez

Penn State men’s soccer (7-3-1) scored two early goals and played magnificent defense to hold on and defeat defending champion Indiana (4-6-1) at home. The Nittany Lions scored multiple goals for the third time in four games to secure the victory against the Hoosiers. It was Penn State’s first victory at Indiana since 2005. Jordan Tyler had a goal in the 15th minute while Owen Griffith added one in the 25th.

Indiana was on the attack for most of the game controlling the ball and putting the pressure on the Penn State defense. The Hoosiers controlled the ball for the first 10 minutes of the game before the Nittany Lions captured the momentum with Tyler’s goal.

Tyler scored on a fantastic combination play between himself, Connor Maloney and Grant Warming. Warming also had an assist in the 25th minute for Griffith’s goal. It was Warming’s first two-assist game for the Penn State.

Despite the great game for the offense, the MVP for the Lions had to be keeper Andrew Wolverton. The keeper had five huge saves for Penn State to secure the victory. Wolverton made a diving save in the 44th minute and stopped a penalty shot from Indiana’s Tommy Thompson in the 56th. This was Wolverton’s fifth shutout of the season and the 20th of his career.

While Indiana possessed the ball almost the entire second half the Penn State defense turned them away time and time again. Martin Seiler and Akil Howard played their typical great defense and provided great support for Wolverton in the net. Penn State plays Michigan at home on Friday in its third Big Ten game.

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