Nov. 7, 2008
Penn State (14-7, 8-2) and Michigan State (13-3-3, 5-4-1) played the semifinal in the Big Ten Women’s Soccer Tournament in unfavorable weather conditions. Despite the mix of the snow and rain, Penn State’s dominant offense remained unrestrained as they shutout Michigan State 1-0.
The Nittany Lions’ Danielle Toney aggressively penetrated the Spartan defensive line to net her teams’ first goal in the eighth minute. Toney’s intensity was not dampened by the heavy rainfall, splitting Spartan defenders Kelley Amormino and Courtney Shegos near midfield. Toney received a slight touch from all-Big Ten forward Katie Schoepfer and nailed it past freshman goalkeeper Jill Fliestra for her ninth goal of the season.
Toney broke the defense again a few minutes later but this time her attempt was rejected by Fliestra at the far corner. Toney led the Nittany Lions with shots.
The Spartans offense remained resilient. All-Big Ten freshman Laura Heyboer relentlessly rushed the Nittany Lions’ backfield in the second half, desperately attempting to score the tying goal. Her three shots however were denied by all-Big Ten goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and the Penn State defenders.
Penn State advances to the championship game Sunday, November 9, 2008 at 2 p.m., against Minnesota.