Penn State starts strong, doesn’t look back in Senior Night victory

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Following a road loss to Rutgers Tuesday, Penn State responded in a big way in its 4-0 win over Michigan at Jeffrey Field Sunday.

“When we play with the correct intensity and attitude, we can beat any team,” head coach Jeff Cook said. “We have belief in the team, but there’s nothing like actual results to reinforce it.”

The Nittany Lions went to work early and had their chances in the game’s first 15 minutes. However, Wolverines goalkeeper Isaiah Goldson stopped shots by Penn State’s Femi Awodesu and Samson Kpardeh.

The blue and white eventually took the lead in the 18th minute when midfielder Caden Grabfelder’s shot sailed past Goldson and into the net, giving the Nittany Lions the early 1-0 edge.

“I was really happy with Caden today,” forward Peter Mangione said. “A lot of times, you see freshmen die down and step back.”

Less than five minutes later, co-captain Mangione got in on the action. The senior played a shot from Grabfelder for his eighth goal of the season, increasing the home team’s lead to two.

Michigan slowly controlled possession following the Mangione goal. Its best attempt came in the 33rd minute, as midfielder Quin Rogers took a shot that skyrocketed over the net, preserving Penn State’s lead.

Cook credited his team for handling its success in the first half.

“Tonight was maybe the best we had done,” he said. “I thought they did it really well.”

As the sun set to begin the second half, Penn State came out hot, but another Kpardeh shot was saved by Goldson once again. The Wolverines had multiple corner-kick opportunities but could not use the set pieces to their benefit.

Penn State found another chance in the 69th minute when Awodesu went down and earned a penalty. The senior defender sunk his shot to the right of Goldson for his second goal of the season.

Awodesu credited his background for helping him convert the penalty.

“Growing up, I was a forward,” Awodesu said. “I’ve played all over the field.”

In the 82nd minute, Morgan Marshall recorded a goal of his own, as his shot to the right got past Goldson, providing insurance for his team’s lead.

The win meant a lot for Awodesu and Mangione, who were honored as part of the Senior Night festivities after the game.

“I wouldn’t trade this for anything,” Awodesu said. “I love my experience here at Penn State.”

Cook also praised Awodesu and Mangione after the game.

“Their personality, their commitment is among the best players I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with,” he said.

Penn State improved to 8-3-3 with the win and will welcome Detroit Mercy to Jeffrey Field for its next game Wednesday night.

Will Duerksen is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email wdd5066@psu.edu.