With two consecutive Big Ten losses fresh in mind, the Michigan soccer team sought and found redemption this weekend after tying No. 7 Penn State and defeating Ohio State 2-0.
In their second game of the weekend, the Wolverines (1-2-1 Big Ten, 6-2-1 overall) traveled to Columbus yesterday and shut out the Buckeyes thanks to flawless goalkeeping from senior co-captain Jessica Jones.
"Jessica played a very solid game and had a lot of help from her defense," Michigan coach Debbie Belkin said. "Getting a shutout was our goal, and this game marked our first of the season."
Jessica Limauro, team leader in both points (20) and goals (8), led the Wolverines offensive attack as she netted both scores.
"Jessica actually scored three goals but had one called back on an off-sides call," Belkin said. "She finished on the few opportunities she had and put us on top."
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As for Friday's matchup with Penn State at Michigan Soccer Field, the Wolverines invested 120 minutes in a 1-1 tie, dealing the Nittany Lions their first non-win and bringing the all-time series record to 2-3-2.
The Wolverines wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the first half, as junior Emily Schmitt found the back of the net 2:19 into the game, thanks to assists from Limauro and Kacy Beitel.
"We knew we had a serious job to do after last weekend's losses," Schmitt said. "We came out strong and I managed to squirt a quick ball past their keeper."
After the score, the Wolverines fought hard to protect their one-goal lead, but it lasted just 25 minutes.
In the face of a fierce Michigan defense led by fullback Vanessa Lewis, Penn State managed to capitalize on an isolated coverage flaw and squeak a goal past sophomore keeper Carissa Stewart at the 27:58 mark.
The unassisted score came off the foot of Penn State scoring leader Bonnie Young, who tallied her 12th goal of the season.
"The goal was definitely a mistake on our part. There must have been a communication breakdown," Belkin said.
"We will learn from our mistakes in the end, but right now we are really getting punished for these slip-ups."
The remainder of the half witnessed serious offensive pursuits by both squads, but neither team was able to strike again.
Notably, Penn State mounted a threat late in the half as Young streaked past the Michigan defense. Her drive was denied thanks to a brilliant sliding save from the keeper, as Stewart virtually stole the ball off the shooting foot of the pursuing Nittany Lion.
The second half basically mirrored the play following the Penn State goal in the first half- solid offensive and defensive play resulting in no offensive
09-28-98
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