After a Big Ten quarterfinal victory against Ohio State last week, Penn State men’s soccer jumped five positions to No. 14 in the United Soccer Coaches poll.

Thanks to a productive first half, the Nittany Lions defeated the Buckeyes Saturday to advance to this week’s semifinal round. Penn State was also recognized in the TopDrawerSoccer poll, checking in at No. 19.

In fact, three of the four semifinal participants were represented this week. Penn State’s opponent, Michigan, was the first team out of the top 25, but still received 39 votes. Meanwhile, Big Ten favorite Indiana was ranked No. 3 in the nation. Should Penn State defeat the Wolverines, the team would likely get a chance to play the national-contending Hoosiers this weekend.

Pitt, Georgetown, Clemson, and Wake Forest sandwiched Indiana to make up the rest of the top five.

Should the Nittany Lions beat Michigan (5 p.m. Wednesday on BTN), they would advance to Saturday’s final. Penn State would travel to Bloomington if Indiana wins, but if Maryland upsets the Hoosiers, the championship would be played at Jeffrey Field.

About the Author

Otis Lyons

Otis is a sophomore majoring in print journalism and is one of Onward State's associate editors. He lives just north of San Francisco, and is a diehard San Jose Earthquakes fan. Feel free to send over your soccer hot takes to his twitter @otisnlyons1 and instagram @otislyons

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