Penn State women's soccer takes down Minnesota in final home game

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s women’s soccer takes the win over Minnesota in their final home game of the regular season.

Both Minnesota and Penn State riding a high into this week after winning their last matches; Minnesota upsetting the number eight-ranked Ohio State, and Penn State dominating over Maryland.

The Nittany Lions got the better of the Golden Gophers, pulling off the 3-2 victory with a late goal in the 82nd minute by redshirt senior Olivia Damico assisted by senior Jordan Fusco to put Penn State on top.

“Yeah, I mean, it was great. I’m just really happy to be able to do something for my team,” said Damico. “I’m just happy I was able to finish it. It was a beautiful cross by Jordan.” The goal was Damico’s first of the season.

Penn State started the game out hot with a goal just 55 seconds into the game by sophomore Kaelyn Wolfe assisted by redshirt junior Julia Raich and freshman Bella Ayscue. The goal gave the Nittany Lions the lead over the Golden Gophers early in the game.

The goal was Wolfe’s first goal of her collegiate career.

“I mean Wolfe, she’s going to give you everything she’s got every time she steps on the field, and she earned it right?” Said head coach Kara Cook. “She’s come close so many times, and you knew it was coming… I’m thrilled for her.”

Penn State brought the momentum first, but Minnesota would not go down without a fight. The Golden Gophers went on to score two goals within minutes of each other later in the first half to talk the lead over the Nittany Lions. Minnesota’s goals came from senior Khyah Harper and graduate student Sophia Romine.

In response, Penn State upped their aggression and retaliated with a goal of their own in the 31st minute to make the score even at two-a-piece heading into halftime. The goal by redshirt senior Kaitlyn MacBean was her 13th goal of the season.

The aggression and grit showed through both teams throughout the game. Minnesota had 13 fouls, while Penn State had 11.

“DNA is something that we really focus on, and so we want to win those tackles,” said MacBean. “I think keeping grip in the game while we were getting fouled was huge today.”

“That’s the Big Ten for you,” said Damico adding to MacBean’s sentiment. “That’s something we try to bring every game, is to be able to keep up with it and step on the front foot.”

The Golden Gophers out-shot the Nittany Lions 13 to 11, but Penn State was able to fend off Minnesota.

Penn State now sits with a record of 11-3-2. Moving forward, the Nittany Lions will head out to California to take on UCLA on Thursday.

Anneke Wagner is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email amw7793@psu.edu.