Penn State Women’s Soccer Powers Past Purdue
The eighth-ranked Penn State women’s soccer team (8-1-1) dominated Purdue (5-4-1) 6-1, last night at Jeffrey Field.
The Nittany Lions were in complete control of the tempo throughout, keeping the ball on Purdue’s defensive territory. Just 10 minutes into the game, senior forward Maya Hayes made a beautiful pass for sophomore midfielder Raquel Rodriguez, resulting in the first goal of the contest.
“I saw Maya going with the ball and I noticed the defense went deeper,” said Rodriguez. “So I just took a step back. We made eye contact and she made a cross and I just placed it on goal.”
Later in the half, Purdue did manage to get the ball on Penn State’s side and put pressure on their defense.
At the 30:05 mark Purdue freshman forward, Maddy Williams, was able to capitalize on a shot and knot the game up at 1-1. With the score, it looked as if Purdue may have taken control of the game, but the Nittany Lions made a ferocious response.
Not long after Purdue’s equalizer, Penn State junior midfielder Kori Chapic was able to score off of a pass by Rodriguez. Rodriguez collected her seventh assist of the season as the Nittany Lions went up 2-1.
The momentum continued to shift back to Penn State near the end of the first half, as a shot by the Nittany Lions was deflected by two Purdue players and ended up in the goal. The team was rewarded the goal and a commanding 3-1 lead going into the second half.
“Tonight we really showed the capabilities we have as a team,” Chapic said. When everyone comes out and puts their foot on the gas pedal from the opening whistle, I think that was a big key for the night.”
Early in the second half the Nittany Lions continued to control the tempo and didn’t let Purdue get any type of air space. Penn State kept their energy on high all night, which was pleasing for head coach Erica Walsh to watch.
“I’m really proud of them for that tonight,” Walsh said. Everything we talked about, they applied into the game tonight.”
Penn State was absolutely unstoppable for the remainder of the second half scoring three more goals courtesy of Hayes, junior midfielder Kindrah Kohne, and redshirt senior forward Tani Costa.
Despite some appeasing front flip throw-ins by Purdue in the second half they were unable to gain any momentum or rhythm and were completely overwhelmed by Penn State’s defense.
“The defense is part of the attack.” Rodriguez said.
Penn State has now won seven in a row and remains undefeated at home. They will host Indiana on Sunday September, 29th at noon.
Josiah Bates is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jnb5278@psu.edu.
