No. 4-seeded Penn State women’s soccer team, boasting an impressive record of 15 wins, 6 losses, and 3 draws (5-4-2 in the Big Ten), showcased their skill and determination by defeating the No. 8-seeded Vanderbilt squad, which had a record of 10 wins, 4 losses, and 7 draws (4-2-4 in the SEC), with a final score of 3-1 in the third round of the NCAA Tournament on a vibrant Sunday afternoon in Tallahassee, Florida.
Vanderbilt appeared to be the more aggressive side early on, quickly gaining an advantage by scoring first. The Commodores capitalized on their momentum in the eighth minute when Caroline Betts found the back of the net after a rebound from a blocked shot by Penn State’s goalkeeper, Mackenzie Gress. However, after this early setback, the Nittany Lions began to assert themselves, dominating possession and creating better scoring opportunities. Freshman Aubrey Kulpa ultimately leveled the score with a stunning shot from the top right corner, equalizing at 1-1 just four minutes before halftime.
In the second half, Penn State made crucial adjustments that shifted the game’s momentum firmly in their favor. In the 59th minute, Natalie Wilson struck gold with an explosive shot from nearly 30 yards away, sending the ball soaring into the top right corner of the net, giving Penn State a 2-1 lead. The Nittany Lions extended their advantage just minutes later when a handball in the box against Vanderbilt set up a penalty kick. Rowan Lapi confidently converted the spot-kick, pushing the lead to 3-1 and solidifying the Nittany Lions’ control of the match.
How It Happened
Vanderbilt appeared more comfortable and composed during the first five minutes of gameplay, utilizing a 3-5-2 formation that created substantial space. This approach was quickly rewarded when they scored with a brilliant play from the wing, allowing Caroline Betts to net the opening goal after a parried shot by Gress.
Despite falling behind early, Penn State’s strategy began to unfold as they gained more possession, although their first shot on goal did not come until the 30th minute when Kaitlyn MacBean had an opportunity, but her attempt lacked power to challenge Vanderbilt goalie Sara Wojdelko. The Nittany Lions continued to press for an equalizer, earning a corner kick but failing to convert after Olivia Damico’s shot went wide.
As the minutes ticked down in the first half, Penn State flipped the script. With less than four minutes remaining, Kulpa made a perfectly timed run, receiving a pass from Wilson. She executed a brilliant strike that found the top right corner, leveling the match just before halftime.
With just three and a half minutes left in the first half, the match reached a climactic 1-1 tie, which remained unchanged as the whistle blew for halftime.
To begin the second half, Vanderbilt attempted to capitalize on an early corner kick, but Penn State’s Olivia Damico cleared the danger. An appealing moment occurred in the 37th minute when referee consultation on a potential handball against Courtney Jones resulted in a no-call.
Penn State’s breakthrough came from Wilson in the 59th minute, as her long-range shot left the Vanderbilt goalie with no chance, marking her first goal of the season. This powerful strike gave the Nittany Lions a well-deserved 2-1 advantage.
An additional handball review in the 66th minute went in favor of Penn State, leading to Lapi converting the penalty kick with precision, extending the score to 3-1. As the final minutes of the game approached, Vanderbilt began to show signs of fatigue, having played a grueling match just prior against reigning champion Florida State.
Sydney Watts had a noteworthy chance in the 76th minute, but her header missed the target despite being well-positioned. Gress showcased her skills yet again in the 81st minute, deflecting a hard shot over the bar to maintain the two-goal lead for the Nittany Lions.
As the match wound down, Penn State maintained their composure and effectively managed the remaining minutes, securing a 3-1 victory and advancing to the quarterfinals.
Takeaways
- Penn State has consistently been one of the last 16 teams in each of the last eight NCAA Tournaments, holding the longest streak in the country. Head coach Erica Dambach orchestrated a masterful game plan as they remained calm and composed under pressure throughout.
- Natalie Wilson emerged as a standout player, delivering an impressive assist and scoring a spectacular goal, showcasing her potential to relieve pressure from forwards MacBean and Jordan Fusco.
- Dambach’s tactical acumen was evident, leading the Nittany Lions to a dominant second-half performance that ultimately secured their advancement to the quarterfinals.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, the Nittany Lions are set to face off against the formidable No. 2-seeded UNC in the quarterfinals. This highly anticipated matchup will take place in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, scheduled for either Friday, November 29, or Saturday, November 30, with the exact kickoff time still to be determined.
Collin is a second-year majoring in digital/print journalism. Born in Hartford, he now lives in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. As a die-hard Chelsea FC fan, you can normally find him yelling at his TV screen on the weekends. To reach him, follow him on X(formally Twitter) @CollinJW1, or email him at [email protected].
How do you believe the recent victory against Vanderbilt will impact your team’s confidence moving forward in the NCAA Tournament?
**Interview with Coach Erica Walsh of Penn State Women’s Soccer Post NCAA Tournament Victory**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Coach Walsh. Congratulations on the impressive 3-1 win against Vanderbilt. How do you feel about your team’s performance today?
**Coach Walsh:** Thank you! I’m incredibly proud of the girls. We faced some early adversity when Vanderbilt scored first, but our resilience shone through. The way the team regrouped and dominated possession after that initial setback was fantastic to see.
**Interviewer:** Vanderbilt had an aggressive start and scored in the eighth minute. What adjustments did you make to regain control of the match?
**Coach Walsh:** After their goal, we needed to focus on maintaining our composure. We shifted our formation slightly to counter their midfield strength, which allowed us to break down their defense more effectively. The players did an excellent job of adapting to the tactical changes and moving the ball quicker in the midfield.
**Interviewer:** Freshman Aubrey Kulpa really stepped up with a crucial equalizer just before halftime. Can you tell us what you saw during that moment?
**Coach Walsh:** That was a pivotal moment for us. Aubrey has been a consistent threat this season, and her goal demonstrated her ability to rise to the occasion. After receiving a great pass from Natalie, her confident strike from the top corner took the pressure off us just before halftime, which was vital for our momentum.
**Interviewer:** In the second half, Natalie Wilson’s stunning goal from nearly 30 yards really changed the dynamics. How important was that goal in terms of boosting team morale?
**Coach Walsh:** Oh, very important! Natalie’s goal not only gave us a lead but also energized the entire squad. It helped us settle into our game plan and reminded both the team and the fans of our fighting spirit. Goals from distance like that can be game-changers and they know they can rely on each other to step up in crucial moments.
**Interviewer:** The penalty converted by Rowan Lapi sealed the deal. How do you rate your team’s performance in handling pressure situations, given the context of this match?
**Coach Walsh:** I think our team showed exceptional mental strength today. After getting that second goal, we knew Vanderbilt would press hard for an equalizer. The way we handled that pressure, staying composed and then capitalizing on the handball, reflects our growth as a team this season. It’s all part of our journey in the tournament, and I’m glad to see how well they performed under pressure.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are your thoughts on the next round of the tournament?
**Coach Walsh:** We’ll take one match at a time, as this tournament is all about execution and staying focused. We need to continue building on today’s performance, work hard in practise, and most importantly, maintain our confidence. The girls know they are capable of great things, and I’m excited to see how far we can go.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach Walsh, for your insights and good luck in the upcoming rounds!
**Coach Walsh:** Thank you! We appreciate the support. Go Nittany Lions!