Just in time for Penn State soccer to return to Jeffrey Field, two Nittany Lions were named “Forwards to Watch” by United Soccer Coaches.

Peter Mangione and Rebecca Cooke were each recognized as outstanding forwards to keep an eye on during the 2023 season following impressive campaigns last year.

Mangione, a senior forward and Nittany Lion captain, was named to the All-Big Ten team for the second straight year in 2022 along with MAC Hermann Award watch list honors. The Hunt Valley, Maryland, native registered eight goals and two assists in his most recent campaign through 16 starts.

Mangione claims a career 21 goals, 12 assists, and 48 appearances throughout his time in the blue and white.

Cooke announced her commitment to Penn State in June after three years at Quinnipiac. In the 2022 outing, Cooke tallied 22 goals, which is good for the most conversions in female Division I soccer. Cooke was named the MAAC Player of the Year and earned a spot on the Division I Women’s All-American team following her 51-point season.

Cooke will join a lethal forward line led by Payton Linnehan and Amelia White.

The women’s team will kick off its 2023 season against North Carolina at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, at Jeffrey Field. Meanwhile, Jeff Cook’s team will travel to Pittsburgh for its season opener at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 24, against Pitt. The men’s home opener is slated for 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 27, against Le Moyne.