Penn State women’s soccer had an obstacle that couldn’t be overcome in its Sunday game versus Michigan State.
Her name – Kaitlyn Parks.
The back-to-back Big 10 Champions won 1-0 in a fast, action-packed game on the road. Parks, a graduate student, played her role the entire game. Michigan State is currently No. 5 and Penn State is No. 9. According to Michigan State Athletics, the Spartans are having their “best start in program history.”
An early shot by Penn State’s Kaitlyn MacBean was headed to the top left of the net but was picked off by Parks.
With less than three minutes into the game, Michigan State shot back and scored its first and only goal. The Spartans used quick and short passes to creep closer to the goal, but they were stopped by the defense. The rebound trickled over to Gabby Mueller, who sent a quick pass to Justina Gaynor.
Gaynor’s strike placed the ball in the bottom right of the net. Amanda Poorbaugh didn’t have enough time to react.
Devon Olive, Mieke Schiemann and Amelia White all had good chances and shots in the opening 10 minutes, but they couldn’t get past Parks.
The game was pushy, ending with 19 fouls, as well as a yellow card for Parks for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Sofia Beerworth, the Spartans reliable playmaker, took a shot from outside the box that looked like it was going to make the score 2-0. It was headed to the left corner of the net, but Poorbaugh was able to regain her reflexes.
Penn State is used to scoring first so coming from behind was a challenge. The game rested in Parks hands. She made 11 saves to make it a shutout.
Another thing that hurt the Nittany Lions was passing. Passes were not hitting their targets, so it made it easier for the Spartans to possess the ball.
Katie Scott gave it another go when she set up Rebecca Cooke. Cooke received it and took the header, but it went just wide of the net.
It was a very defensive heavy second half for Michigan State. Penn State pushed for an offensive opening and only allowed the Spartans four shots on goal compared to the 11 for the Nittany Lions.
“I thought we created enough opportunities to score a goal, and total credit to Michigan State,” Penn State Head Coach Erica Dambach said. “They called us off and created their own chances.”
During the final 10 minutes, the Spartans tried to waste time and not give the Nittany Lions any chances. Schiemann, MacBean and Kayleigh Herr were the last hope for the blue and white, but nothing was getting past Parks as she continued to save every shot.
The Spartans now stay undefeated in conference play and will take on Ohio State on Thursday. Penn State will look to rebound in its game against Iowa on Thursday.
Thank you for reading Female Athlete News. Follow us on our social media pages or reach us at [email protected] with a story idea.
Photo: Penn State Athletics
