After falling out of the rankings and suffering its first defeat in a 2-0 loss to Gonzaga last week, the Wisconsin men's soccer team (0-1-0 Big Ten, 5-2-1 overall) looked to rebound on the road at Penn St (1-0-0, 6-2-1).
Sunday was the Big Ten season opener for both squads, and the Nittany Lions posted a 3-1 victory over the Badgers at Jeffrey Field in University Park, Pa.
The Badgers were unbeaten on the road entering today’s match, but goals in the opening and closing 10 minutes were enough to propel the Nittany Lions to victory.
Scoring began in the 10th minute of play, with PSU redshirt senior defender Martin Seiler beating Badgers keeper, redshirt freshman Casey Beyers. The Badgers fought back to tie it 1-1 before halftime on senior forward Nick Janus’ fourth goal of the season.
Despite being outshot 16-13, the Nittany Lions took the lead on what would eventually be the game winner on an own goal in the 78th minute. After solid defense for much of the day, redshirt sophomore defender Carl Schneider’s clearance attempt was deflected and got past Beyers to make it 2-1.
Penn State added its third and final goal off a cross in the 83rd minute, bringing the final tally to 3-1.
UW kept the match close until the end by earning four corner kicks, though it failed to convert on any of them.
The Badgers will look to get back on track when they return to action Wednesday night in a non-conference home match against in-state rival Marquette.
