Penn State attacks early and often in 3-0 victory over Duquesne

Photo courtesy Penn State University athletics

Duquesne University women’s soccer team fell to the No. 14 Penn State Nittany Lions Sunday afternoon by a final score of 3-0. The Dukes fall to 1-1 on the season while Penn State moves to 1-0-1.

Constant pressure from Penn State’s attack was too much to overcome for Duquesne this time out. The goals for the Nittany Lions came in the 11th, 40th and 45th minutes.

After a two-hour weather delay, the match finally got underway. The first 10 minutes of play consisted of some chances by Penn State, but the Duquesne defense and sophomore goalkeeper Maddy Neundorfer kept the opponent off the scoreboard.

In the 11th minute, Penn State was able to get one in the back of the net to give it a 1-0 lead early.

. @katewiez 🤝 @paytonlinnehan #WeAre pic.twitter.com/FNfguUxgBw

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) August 22, 2022

The Dukes responded well, but were not able to get the goal back. After playing in Penn State’s end for a few minutes following the goal, freshman midfielder Mackenzie Muir fired a shot that went just wide.

With play back in the Dukes’ end, Neundorfer made a big save to keep the game within one. That wouldn’t be the last save she would have to make, as the 14th-ranked Nittany Lions were relentless with their pressure.

The Dukes’ back line held strong for a while, but Penn State was able to score its second goal in the 40th minute, just before the half. The Dukes would go into the locker room down by two.

What a play! 🫡#WeAre pic.twitter.com/sjWfUY0b2z

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) August 21, 2022

The two-goal lead was short lived, as Penn State scored within the first minute of the second half to give the Nittany Lions their third and final goal of the game.

Both teams were held scoreless the rest of the game as both defenses were stingy. With substitutions in and out for both teams all half, neither team was able to get anything going by the time the game ended.

GAME NOTES

• Seven freshmen made their collegiate debuts for the Dukes today – midfielder Arewynn Black, midfielder Abby Colangelo, defender CeCe Scott, defender Jenna Santiago, midfielder Emma Hospodka, defender Devin Lillis and midfielder Cait Mackey.
• A total of 31 players saw action today for Duquesne.
• Junior goalkeeper Savanna Keppy made for Duquesne debut today, playing 16 minutes and making four saves.