The Penn State men’s soccer team finished the regular season last week with mixed results. The Nittany Lions will hope to improve on their 1-0 victory over Lafayette and their 1-0 loss to Wisconsin when they host the Big Ten Tournament this week.

Penn State faced off against Lafayette last Tuesday in their final non-conference game of the regular season. The Nittany Lions were without the services of senior Matheus Braga and junior Corey Hertzog, the leading scoring tandem in the country. Penn State was able to make it three wins in a row, and two straight on the road, thanks to an eighth minute goal from sophomore Daniel Burnham. That goal was all the Nittany Lions needed thanks to a strong defensive effort.

On Saturday, Penn State finished the regular season with a 1-0 loss at Wisconsin. Things looked good for the Nittany Lions early in the game when Corey Hertzog was fouled inside Wisconsin’s box. However, his penalty kick effort was saved to keep the match tied. Wisconsin got their own chance at a penalty kick in the 28th minute, and they were able to convert. That proved to be the only goal of the game, meaning the Nittany Lions were shut out for the first time this season.

Hertzog finished his fantastic regular season by breaking the Penn State shot record with 96. He also led the team with 14 goals to go along with four assists. Braga finished second on the team with five goals and 12 assists.

Penn State now heads into the Big Ten Tournament as the four-seed, finishing with an 11-6-1 record. The tournament will be held this Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and the winner will receive an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament. The Nittany Lions have done well at home in the Big Ten, winning two of their three games.

Single session tickets will be sold on game day only, and they will cost $5 for students and $8 for adults. Full session tickets are available now for purchase.

Upcoming schedule–Big Ten Tournament First Round (hosted by Penn State):

Thursday:

#3 Michigan vs. #6 Michigan State, 10 a.m.
#2 Ohio State vs. #7 Wisconsin, 12:30 p.m.
#4 Penn State vs. #5 Northwestern, 3 p.m.