Nov. 1, 2009
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The 22nd-ranked Purdue women's soccer team was defeated 4-0 by 25th-ranked Penn State on Sunday afternoon at Jeffrey Field.
"Aligning ourselves up like we did, with five in the midfield, we didn't get the pressure that we should have," head coach Robert Klatte said. "We allowed them too much time and space to play, and after about 20 minutes they established a rhythm and comfort level that proved decisive. They have a very good set of attacking, combining players, and they proved dangerous. They have a willingness to run behind off the ball. The movement is impressive, and that really was the difference in the game."
Purdue (10-5-3, 3-3-2) controlled tempo at the beginning of each half, but was unable to break through with a goal. The Boilermakers were able to get a few scoring chances and pushed forward throughout the game. However, only two shots were placed on goal and a number of opportunities were off frame.
Penn State (11-5-3, 7-1-1) got on the board in the 13th minute when Danielle Toney received a pass on the left side of the penalty box and slotted the ball back into the lower right corner. The goal was Toney's 11th this season and places her alone atop the Big Ten in that category. Penn State's second goal was scored in the 29th minute off a cross as Melissa Hayes received a pass from Jess Rosenbluth in front of the goal and pushed the ball into the back of the net.
In the second half, the Nittany Lions struck again 16 minutes after the break. Tara Davies took a long run down the left side of the offense and played what appeared to be a cross back toward the right as she reached the end line. The ball floated over everyone and into the right side of the net. The final goal came from Toney 10 minutes later as she got the ball on a breakaway and finished from 15 yards out.
"The third goal was a backbreaker," Klatte said. "It was put in from a zero angle, and from there on it was about eliminating losses and preparing to play another day."
Senior co-captain Jessica Okoroafo broke the program record for career games played during Sunday's game. The Sylvania, Ohio, native appeared in a game for the 88th time as a Boilermaker, breaking the previous record of 87 set by Shauna Stapleton from 2004-07. Senior Sylvia Forbes moved into a tie for third on that list as she played in her 86th game. Okoroafo also tied Lauren Sesselmann for third in program history with the 80th start of her career.
Penn State remains at the top of the Big Ten standings with 22 points, and Purdue currently sits fifth with 11 points. The Nittany Lions now lead the all-time series 9-1-1, including a 6-0 mark in University Park.
Purdue has a quick turnaround as the Boilermakers head to in-state rival Indiana on Tuesday. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET, and a live radio broadcast and live results can be found at purduesports.com.