William & Mary women upset #12 Penn State 2-1 at PSU Invitational

The William and Mary Tribe women’s soccer team pulled off the come-from-behind upset on Sunday afternoon, beating the #12-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions at the PSU Invitational, 2-1. With the win, the Tribe improves its record to 2-0-1, while Penn State falls to 1-1-1 on the season.

Freshman Audrey Barry scored her first collegiate goal, while senior Kaitlin O’Connor notched the match-winner for the Tribe. In goal, sophomore Katherine Yount was once again solid, making four saves while facing 24 shots.

“We played very well defensively today,” head coach John Daly remarked after the match. “They have a talent and speed upfront, but we could have won by a wider margin. It was a very good performance from the entire team this afternoon.”

On Sunday afternoon, the Tribe came out and tried to assert itself offensively against the Nittany Lions, taking three early shots. Despite its chances, however, Penn State would be the first team to get on the board. In the 11th minute, PSU’s Danielle Toney gave the Nittany Lions a 1-0 lead when she scored from six yards out.

Penn State’s lead would not last long, as the College continued its offensive onslaught. In the 19th minute, Barry beat her defender to get open from 15 yards out on the right side. Barry cracked a shot on net, beating the keeper and tying the match at 1-1 headed into halftime.

At the half, the Nittany Lions held a 11-6 advantage over the Tribe in shots taken, but the College was able to get two shots on-goal to just one for the #12-ranked Nittany Lions. Corner kicks were even at three apiece in the first 45 minutes.

Out of halftime, Penn State came out looking to take the lead back, firing shot after shot at the Tribe. Despite its chances, the Nittany Lions would not be able to crack the College’s defense.

The Tribe would begin to answer PSU with some offense of its own, looking for the breakthrough. In the 73rd minute, the College would get an opportunity after a Penn State foul. From 40 yards out, O’Connor looked at goal, cracking off a beautiful shot that beat the Nittany Lion goalie, giving the Tribe a 2-1 lead with 17 minutes left.

Penn State would send shot after shot at the Tribe, but the Tribe’s defense and Yount would not break, and the College would come away with an impressive, 2-1 victory.