Penn State men’s soccer faces Maryland for its first Big Ten home action of the season

Penn State continues its Big Ten play on Tuesday evening against Maryland after a 3-0 shutout victory over Ohio State.

On the road the Nittany Lions needed one man and one man alone to deliver the win home to Happy Valley. That man's name is Liam Butts who scored all three goals against the Buckeyes unassisted.

Butts combined with a Kris Shakes defense wall gave the blue and white its first conference win of the season and momentum after it suffered a 3-0 loss the game before. After the dominant performance against Ohio State, Shakes sits on top of the Big Ten in total saves with 27 in 2023.

As they improve to 3-1-2 on the year, the Nittany Lions head back home to face the 1-2-2 Terrapins in the program's 53rd meeting all time. While Maryland leads the series 25-20-7, Penn State has a 12-9-2 home record against the red and white.

Maryland comes into University Park after some early season struggles that have led to a 1-2-2 record. Last year the Terrapins went 11-4-5 and were named the Big Ten regular season title before they lost to Indiana in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament.

Off a 2-2 tie to Michigan at home, the Terrapins hit the road for the second time this season with the first coming against No. 15 Virginia where they suffered a 2-1 loss. Maryland will look to rely on the five different players who have scored this year to come into Jeffrey Field to deliver a win.

Matchup

Penn State ranks second in goals scored this season with the second-fewest shots taken through six games. Peter Mangione and Butts are the scoring leaders for the Nittany Lions with a combined five goals scored.

Matthew Henderson has played a huge role in the blue and white’s success on the scoreboard as he is 10th in assists in the Big Ten so far this year.

Goalie Shakes has been outstanding for the Nittany Lions this season as he has recorded the most goals and the third-best save percentage in the conference. Shakes has also provided Penn State with three shutouts a little more than a third of the way through the season.

Penn State could have a day against one of the worst offenses in the Big Ten and a goalkeeper who has struggled through the first five games.

The Terrapins have an even margin on the year after scoring just five games through five games but have been able to hold their end on the other side of the field. Despite a .500 save percentage from starting goalie Jamie Lowell, the defense continues to face a handful of shots and stand strong.

The opening kick is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Jeffrey Field for Penn State’s 11th Mack Brady Match.

Micheal Bolger is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email mpb6233@psu.edu.