Penn State Soccer: Nittany Lions Draw Ohio State 1-1

After 110 minutes in Columbus, Ohio, No.13 Penn State and Ohio State settled for a 1-1 draw Sunday.

The Nittany Lions (3-1-2, 1-0-1 Big Ten) struggled to take control of the game early and the Buckeyes (1-4-2, 0-1-1 Big Ten) were able to hang around long enough to secure the deadlock after striking first.

Sam Bollinger scored the equalizer after an Ohio State defender, retreating towards the goal, attempted to clear the ball but the pass went to the foot of Bollinger, in the middle of the box, who fired to the bottom far post.

The goal was the redshirt sophomore’s first of his career.

Penn State head coach Bob Warming said he felt like after a slow start in the first half, his team may have left some goals on the field.

“It was a tale of two halves, the first half I didn’t think we were going to score and the second I thought we were going to score four or five,” coach Warming said. “We had some good chances in the second half to score, but I’m proud of the guys for fighting hard and getting a point on the road here today.”

Although the Nittany Lions fired 18 shots, they only managed to get four shots on goal, allowing Buckeyes goalie Chris Froschauer to make just two saves on the afternoon.

Animosity was brewing between both teams and physicality was evident factor on the pitch. One game, 46 fouls were whistled, nine yellow cards, and one red card.

Kenny Cunningham scored the opening goal of the game in the 16th minute, volleying a cross near post just underneath Penn State goalie Matt Bersano.

Bersano did manage to deny seven goals, tied for a season-high, including a leaping save in the final two minutes of overtime to preserve the draw.

“We certainly wanted a win, but getting a point on the road in the Big Ten Conference is tough and we came out with a point today,” coach Warming said.

Penn State will resume play Wednesday, traveling back to Philadelphia for a non-conference match at the University of Pennsylvania at 7 p.m.