Penn State v. Michigan Part 2

Soccer is an odd game. A team can dominate for an entire 90 minutes and not have a single goal to show for it.  After 90 minutes of play, with Penn State out shooting Michigan 38 to 6, the game is still scoreless.  Now the game enters sudden death overtime, meaning the team who scores first wins no matter how much time is left on the clock.  The teams will participate in two ten minute overtimes.

At this point Michigan is happy with just a tie because they have been outplayed for the whole game and are still in it.  A tie earns them a point in conference play and they get RPI points for a tie on the road.  Just like regulation, Penn State continues to dominate play, hitting posts left and right.  Michigan's goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer, has had an outstanding game and is a key reason why Michigan has held Penn State scoreless.

With 20 seconds left in the second overtime, freshman Taylor Schram put the ball in the back of the net for Penn State, giving them a share of the conference title and ending the game.  This win and share of the Big Ten Title will help clinch their spot in the NCAA tournament, which was up in the air due to their poor record in non-conference play.

Penn State v. Michigan

In one of the final games of Big Ten conference play, all eyes turn to Happy Valley, Pennsylvania to watch the University of Michigan take on Penn State in women's soccer.  If Penn State gets the win, they get a share of the Big Ten conference title, something they have held for the past 12 years.  Without the win, Ohio State wins the title outright for their first time in program history.  For Michigan, this game is more about respect.  They are likely to earn a spot in the NCAA tournament.  But for the first time in a long time, they have a chance to be considered a competitive program.  In order to do so, they have to start beating top teams. 

As the game begins, Penn State has the wind at their backs and is dominating play. Michigan was caught on their heels and is defending for their lives.  Michigan's lone forward, Nkem Ezurike, only touches the ball when her defenders happen to blindly clear it out to her.  If she does manage to keep possession, Penn State's four defenders swarm her.

Although its scoreless at halftime, the game is very one-sided.  Penn State had possession for almost the entire half and out shot Michigan.  Penn State had some dangerous shots on goal by Tani Costa, Emma Thomson, and under 20 national team member Christine Nairn.  Penn State is hungry for the title and is playing to win.