The seniors lead the way on Senior Day as Penn State defeats Michigan

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Following a frustrating 2-1 loss to Rutgers on Tuesday, Penn State returned to Jeffrey Field on Sunday and picked up a crucial conference win as they defeated Michigan 4-0.

As Penn State looked to rebound in hopes of turning their campaign around, the blue and white turned to the pair of players set to be honored post-game, and they delivered.

Senior midfielder Peter Mangione found the back of the net in the 22nd minute as his strike from just outside the 18-yard box gave Penn State a 2-0 lead. Mangione's goal came just five minutes after freshman Caden Grabfelder opened the scoring for the Nittany Lions.

Mangione would add an 82nd-minute assist to increase his goal contributions to a team-leading 18.

“It’s so special to me this day. It feels amazing to score; honestly, I can’t really put it into words,” Mangione said. “ Femi and I just feel like we have had some great careers, and I’m just so grateful for everybody at Penn State throughout my four years to score on Senior Day; just the icing on the cake, and we’re not done yet.

Senior defender Femi Awodesu, who played much of the match in the midfield, made a magnificent run in the 69th minute before being taken down inside the 18-yard box.

While Mangione had previously taken all of the Nittany Lions spot kicks this season, he stepped aside on Senior Day to allow his co-captain an opportunity to net one of his own.

Awodesu made no mistake, sending a perfectly placed shot into the bottom right corner before running to the corner flag to celebrate, where Mangione embraced him.

“It was just meant to be. Before the game, Shakes was like a goal for you and Pete tonight on senior night. I see it, and it just happened, Awodesu said. “I wouldn’t trade this for anything. I love my experience here at Penn State and am so grateful for Jeff giving me a chance here.”

Coach Cook spoke passionately postgame about his senior stars.

“Their commitment is among the best players I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with,” Cook said. “It means the world to me, and I also want to say we are not done. We’re gonna keep going and keep pushing.”

With the win, Penn State now sits tied with Michigan State atop the Big Ten standings.

The seniors are not done yet, as next up for Penn State is a non-conference matchup against Detroit Mercy on Wednesday evening.

Ben Palillo is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email bgp5079@psu.edu.