In 1994, Penn State and Michigan split two extremely close games in both schools' inaugural seasons of varsity soccer. Since then, the two programs have grown into the most talented in the Big Ten and a rivalry has developed.
In the premier battle of the ongoing war, Penn State nipped the Wolverines in the regular season 1-0 last year. Michigan quickly gained revenge in the Big Ten Tournament, upsetting the Nittany Lions in a game decided by penalty kicks.
The rivalry has reached a new level recently, as the two teams have risen above the rest of the Big Ten competition. This year, they played to a scoreless tie in the regular season. After that game, Penn State went unbeaten, and Michigan finished one game behind the Nittany Lions in the Big Ten.
"They're the team to beat, and we want to beat them, and they would like to get back at us because their only blemish two years in a row has been from (Michigan)," senior Emily Schmidt said.
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| MARJORIE MARSHALL/Daily Senior Shannon Poole will compete in the final grudge match between the Michigan and Penn State if the two teams avoid upsets on the way to the Big Ten finals. |
"When you go through the conference undefeated except for one team, you'd like another chance at them," Penn State coach Patrick Farmer.
Penn State holds a 4-2-3 advantage in the head-to-head series. Only three games have been decided by more than one goal. This year, the numbers of weapons each team possesses, makes Michigan and the Nittany Lions the favorites to win the tournament.
The teams have an answer for each other's stars.
Scoring? Michigan brings superfrosh Abby Crumpton, who leads the team in points with 23. Penn State counters with all-world freshman Christie Welsh, who leads the Big Ten with 18 goals
Goaltending? Penn State boasts sophomore Emily Oleksiuk, who allowed just 14 goals in 19 games. Michigan replies with junior Carrisa Stewart, the team's all-time leader in victories with 29.
Experience? Michigan seniors Shannon Poole and Emily Schmidt have played in all 84 games during their careers at Michigan. Penn State senior Courtney Lawson is second on the team in points, and the current Big Ten player of the week.
Still, despite the apparent similarities in personnel, the team's play very different styles of soccer.
"Their ability to control the pace of the game makes them dangerous," Farmer said of the Wolverines. "They're possessive without being boring."
Penn State relies more on the physical advantages of their offense.
"They play directly to their forwards and run down balls," Michigan coach Debbie Belkin said. "They have a couple of real special players like Christie Welsh who can take over a game."
When they played earlier in the year, both teams saw opportunities to win fall by the wayside. A great save by Oleksiuk on Michigan senior Mari Hoff's header prevented the Wolverines from triumphing.
"We had our opportunities," Schmidt said. "To beat them, we'd have to shut down their offensive threats and capitalize on our chances this time."
Farmer said, the rivalry hasn't turned bitter despite the fact that the programs are competing for recruits as well as titles. A mutual respect exists, but the teams are still looking for a rematch.
"Neither team had their best game the first time," Farmer said. "We definitely hope to meet them this weekend."
11-03-99
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