Penn State defeat Maryland, Indiana in Shutout Wins
This past weekend was very special for Penn State Women’s Soccer. Not only did the Lions pick up two conference wins against Maryland and Indiana, but the trio of Penn State seniors shined on Senior Day Sunday afternoon.
The Lions began their successful week Thursday against local Big Ten rivals Maryland. Sophomore Megan Schafer was the difference for Penn State, scoring her sixth goal of the season in the 77th minute. After a blocked shot attempt from her teammate Mallory Weber, Schafer scored off of a loose ball in the box that went past Terrapin goalkeeper Rachelle Beanlands.
Penn State’s defense was also impressive throughout the night. Goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom earned her fifth shutout of the 2015 season while the team held Maryland to less than five shots during the match.
For Head Coach Erica Walsh, the team effort was not to be ignored Thursday. “So I think as far as only letting one shot, that's an absolute team effort. We are confident in Britt, we are able to play a little bit higher which keeps us more compact, and I'm just really proud of the defensive effort tonight."
The team kept the momentum going as they took on Indiana Sunday on Senior Day. Penn State defeated the Hoosiers 4-0, while seniors Raquel Rodriguez and Mallory Weber contributed to the score line.
Raquel Rodriguez opened the scoring first for the Lions, grabbing a goal in the sixth minute of play after she received the ball from forward Frannie Crouse to score her 17th career goal. In the 41st minute, fellow senior Mallory Weber got her 35th career goal, making her the 10th all-time goal scorer in Penn State history. Underclassman Megan Schafer and Elizabeth Ball added a goal each to give the Lions a 4-0 victory.
With the win, Penn State earned its third-straight shutout win and have not conceded a goal in 333 minutes of play. Starting goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom now ties Penn State legend Alyssa Naeher (’09) for second all-time victories at 49.
The Lions now boast a 10-2-2 overall record this year and will hit the road for three games taking on Purdue (Oct. 15), Rutgers (Oct. 18), and Ohio State (Oct. 24).
The Lions began their successful week Thursday against local Big Ten rivals Maryland. Sophomore Megan Schafer was the difference for Penn State, scoring her sixth goal of the season in the 77th minute. After a blocked shot attempt from her teammate Mallory Weber, Schafer scored off of a loose ball in the box that went past Terrapin goalkeeper Rachelle Beanlands.
Penn State’s defense was also impressive throughout the night. Goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom earned her fifth shutout of the 2015 season while the team held Maryland to less than five shots during the match.
For Head Coach Erica Walsh, the team effort was not to be ignored Thursday. “So I think as far as only letting one shot, that's an absolute team effort. We are confident in Britt, we are able to play a little bit higher which keeps us more compact, and I'm just really proud of the defensive effort tonight."
The team kept the momentum going as they took on Indiana Sunday on Senior Day. Penn State defeated the Hoosiers 4-0, while seniors Raquel Rodriguez and Mallory Weber contributed to the score line.
Raquel Rodriguez opened the scoring first for the Lions, grabbing a goal in the sixth minute of play after she received the ball from forward Frannie Crouse to score her 17th career goal. In the 41st minute, fellow senior Mallory Weber got her 35th career goal, making her the 10th all-time goal scorer in Penn State history. Underclassman Megan Schafer and Elizabeth Ball added a goal each to give the Lions a 4-0 victory.
With the win, Penn State earned its third-straight shutout win and have not conceded a goal in 333 minutes of play. Starting goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom now ties Penn State legend Alyssa Naeher (’09) for second all-time victories at 49.
The Lions now boast a 10-2-2 overall record this year and will hit the road for three games taking on Purdue (Oct. 15), Rutgers (Oct. 18), and Ohio State (Oct. 24).
