For 'M' women's soccer, a critical Big Ten weekend

ALEX WOLK/Daily

Amber Wilson and the Wolverines host Penn State today.

By Jeff Phillips

Daily Sports Writer

Today at 4 p.m. at the Michigan soccer field, the Michigan women's soccer team faces its toughest opponent yet - No. 6 Penn State.

Penn State is atop the Big Ten with a 6-0 record and is led by Christie Welsh - two-time Big Ten player of the week and far and away the Big Ten's leading scorer.

"We know we are going to have to key on Christie Welsh," Michigan coach Debbie Belkin Rademacher said. "We know their formations and are looking to play some tight defense."

The Nittany Lions have the most potent offensive attack in the conference, as well as the most stingy defense, allowing just 0.52 goals per game overall, and 0.33 in Big Ten play.

"Against a team like Penn State you have to be focused and finish your chances," Rademacher said.

Despite Penn State leading the overall series 4-2-4, Michigan has had its way with the Nittany Lions as of late. Last season, after battling to a tie at State College, the Wolverines defeated Penn State 4-2 to win the Big Ten tournament championship.

"I'm sure that they are out to get us now," Rademacher said.

Penn State has handled every Big Ten opponent with ease, with the exception of Wisconsin - the Nittany Lions needed a goal in the final 10 seconds to win. The Badgers handed the Wolverines one of their two Big Ten losses.

"It's been a great rivalry for seven years and it is going to be a battle," Rademacher said.

Michigan remains unintimidated by the ranking or the record of Penn State.

"We may be the underdogs, but I always feel that it is easier to come from behind," Sophomore Abby Crumpton said. "It is a great rivalry, but I think we have gotten the better part of it."

Crumpton was a big part of the tournament win over the Nittany Lions, scoring two goals in the game. Senior co-captain Kacy Beitel also scored two goals for the Wolverines in the game.

In addition to Penn State, Michigan will also face Ohio State on Sunday. The Buckeyes are last in the Big Ten, but notched their first win last weekend, with a 3-0 over Iowa. Michigan leads the all time series with the Buckeyes at 5-3.

The two Big Ten games this weekend are just part of Michigan's five-game home stretch over the next 11 days, which includes a battle with No. 1 Notre Dame.

Why: In addition to a showdown between the Big Ten's top two teams, Pepsi will host its annual Pepsi Soccer Slam. The first 500 fans to arrive will receive t-shirts with more prizes to be given away, including a trip for two to Schuss Mountain Resort and a month's supply of Pepsi among other prizes.