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Princeton University Athletics
Saturday, September 25
Princeton, N.J.
4:00 PM
Princeton University
1
vs
0
Penn State
Photo by: Sideline Photos, LLC
Men's Soccer Nips Nittany Lions, 1-0
September 25, 2021 | Men's Soccer
In the midst of a big four-match homestand, the Princeton men's soccer team picked up a "Big" non-conference win with a 1-0 defeat of Penn State at Sherrerd Field.
Freshman Harry Roberts connected on the game-winner in the 44th minute, and his older brother, Jack, directed the defense to make that goal stand up for the Tigers' third clean sheet of the season.
Princeton took the lead late in the first half via Roberts' first collegiate goal with 1:17 remaining in the half. Princeton crept forward on attack in the waning minutes of the opening period, with James Wangsness uncorking a shot from the top of the box that hit a teammate and deflected right to Francis Akomeah-Sirleaf who chipped a service to the far post which Roberts knocked in with his chest.
The Tigers came out of halftime looking to add to their lead, but Penn State keeper Owen Elliott made three saves in the first 25 minutes of the second period to keep the game within reach for the Nittany Lions. After the third Elliott save, Penn State started to tilt the field in the hunt of an equalizer. Penn State earned three corner kicks in the game's final seven minutes, but only put forth one shot following those set pieces. Princeton's defense held its form, forcing the Nittany Lions to search out an extra pass or cross more often than a shot towards goal.
Penn State's final corner with 0:32 to play resulted in a foul by the Nittany Lions, allowing the Tigers to send the ball away and collect the three points.
The win is the third this year for the Tigers -- each coming via shutout. The last time Princeton's first three wins of a season were all clean sheets came in 2001 -- part of a 3-0-2 start to a season which ended with an Ivy League title and NCAA Tournament berth.
Princeton finishes a four-match homestand on September 28, hosting Saint John's at 8 p.m.
Freshman Harry Roberts connected on the game-winner in the 44th minute, and his older brother, Jack, directed the defense to make that goal stand up for the Tigers' third clean sheet of the season.
Princeton took the lead late in the first half via Roberts' first collegiate goal with 1:17 remaining in the half. Princeton crept forward on attack in the waning minutes of the opening period, with James Wangsness uncorking a shot from the top of the box that hit a teammate and deflected right to Francis Akomeah-Sirleaf who chipped a service to the far post which Roberts knocked in with his chest.
Chest Day Pays Off.
— Princeton Men's Soccer (@TigerMensSoccer) September 25, 2021
Harry Roberts knocks in his first collegiate goal for the halftime lead. pic.twitter.com/K4oo01r1wQ
The Tigers came out of halftime looking to add to their lead, but Penn State keeper Owen Elliott made three saves in the first 25 minutes of the second period to keep the game within reach for the Nittany Lions. After the third Elliott save, Penn State started to tilt the field in the hunt of an equalizer. Penn State earned three corner kicks in the game's final seven minutes, but only put forth one shot following those set pieces. Princeton's defense held its form, forcing the Nittany Lions to search out an extra pass or cross more often than a shot towards goal.
Penn State's final corner with 0:32 to play resulted in a foul by the Nittany Lions, allowing the Tigers to send the ball away and collect the three points.
The win is the third this year for the Tigers -- each coming via shutout. The last time Princeton's first three wins of a season were all clean sheets came in 2001 -- part of a 3-0-2 start to a season which ended with an Ivy League title and NCAA Tournament berth.
Princeton finishes a four-match homestand on September 28, hosting Saint John's at 8 p.m.
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