<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0qulnX_0viiFXVY00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0qulnX_0viiFXVY00" width="1763" height="1175" ><figcaption>Midfielder Julia Raich (31) maintains possession of the ball despite the opposition during the Penn State women's soccer game against Michigan State at Jeffrey Field on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in University Park, Pa. The Spartans beat the Nittany Lions 1-0. Ella Freda</figcaption></figure>Strengths tested and lessons learned.After two wins at home against Michigan and Columbia , the blue and white remained at Jeffrey Field to take on more conference rivals.The Nittany Lions faced Northwestern, followed by No. 5 Michigan State three days after, to close the week.<h2>Vs. Northwestern: W 1-0</h2>The blue and white started its week welcoming Northwestern on Thursday.The Nittany Lions defeated the Wildcats in the final minutes with a goal from Kailtyn MacBean. With the goal, Penn State’s leading scorer increased her goal total to 10 on the season.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1tuutd_0viiFXVY00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1tuutd_0viiFXVY00" width="1766" height="1173" ><figcaption>Midfielder Natalie Wilson (32) waits outside the box during the Penn State women's soccer game against Northwestern at Jeffrey Field on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 in University Park, Pa. Penn State defeated Northwestern 1-0. Joey Tiger</figcaption></figure>The blue and white dominated possession in the first half, presenting its impressive two-way skills. Multiple Nittany Lions had great chances to score the opening goal, something that’s happened in the majority of their games — a representation of how dynamic the team is.Even though Northwestern created more dangerous chances toward the final minutes, the defensive work from Penn State didn’t allow a comeback.Natalie Wilson almost scored her first goal of the season after a rebound from Amelia White’s shot came free. However, after video review, the goal was disallowed because of an offside call.One of the biggest challenges the Nittany Lions faced these past two games was terrific opposing goaltending. Northwestern’s Reiley Fitzpatrick posed a challenge for the blue and white, keeping her squad in the match until the final whistle.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4g4pwN_0viiFXVY00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4g4pwN_0viiFXVY00" width="1763" height="1175" ><figcaption>Midfielder Jordan Fusco (11) runs towards the ball during the Penn State women's soccer game against Virginia at Jeffrey Field on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024 in University Park, Pa. The Cavaliers beat the Nittany Lions 2-1.&nbsp; Chris Eutsler</figcaption></figure><h2>Vs. Michigan State: L 1-0</h2>To end the week, the Nittany Lions faced the Spartans on Sunday. The result wasn’t what Penn State desired, falling to Michigan State, 1-0.Once again, the opposing goaltender’s performance was the biggest challenge for coach Erica Dambach’s squad. Kaitlyn Parks did an impressive job stopping all the Nittany Lions’ scoring chances.The goaltender was one of the main reasons why the game ended in a shutout. Parks recorded 11 saves to Amanda Poorbaugh’s three, showcasing the discrepancy in shots on goal.The Spartans found the back of the net early into the game. The blue and white tried to find its pace and had some strong chances, but it couldn’t find the equalizer.The performances of White and Mieke Schiemann were essential once again, creating plays on defense during the game.However, the highlight of the game was in the stands. A crowd of 2,045 participated in the “Wear White” matchup, with the important presence of the Blue Band and the Park Avenue Army. This scenery lifted up the spirits of the team, even after a loss.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1KffJb_0viiFXVY00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1KffJb_0viiFXVY00" width="1690" height="1226" ><figcaption>Defender Ellie Wheeler (16) runs during the Penn State women's soccer game against Santa Clara in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Jeffrey Field on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions beat the Broncos 2-0. Alexandra Antoniono</figcaption></figure>Sunday’s loss to Michigan State was the Nittany Lions’ first conference loss of the season, snapping their eight-match unbeaten streak.“We're going to have to put in that type of performance to get results,” Dambach said. “This time of the season is about consistency. It doesn't matter what the other teams rank. It's about finding consistency.”The blue and white ended the week with an 8-2-1 record, starting 2-1 in conference play. With a chance to improve those numbers, the Nittany Lions will face two Big Ten opponents on the road this week.Penn State is set to face Iowa at 8 p.m. Thursday followed by Nebraska at 1 p.m. Sunday.MORE SOCCER CONTENT</div></body>

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Weekly Recap | No. 9 Penn State defeats Northwestern, falls to No. 5 Michigan State

Strengths tested and lessons learned. After two wins at home against Michigan and Columbia , the blue and white remained at Jeffrey Field to take on more conference rivals. The Nittany Lions faced Northwestern, followed by No. 5 Michigan State three days after, to close the week. Vs. Northwestern: W...