Maryland Defeats Penn State, Advances to Elite Eight

Pete Volk
Editor

Taylor Kemp

Taylor Kemp’s goal in the 88th minute gave Maryland’s men’s soccer team a 1-0 victory Sunday night over the Penn State Nittany Lions, advancing them to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

Kemp’s left-footed volley from about 20 yards out sailed into the net, ending a scoreless tie that had lasted almost the entirety of regulation. The goal was Maryland’s only shot on goal for the game, as Penn State goalie Brendan Birmingham did not have to make a save on the Terps’ 20 other shot attempts. Forward Casey Townsend led all players with seven shots, but none were on target for Maryland.

It was the Terrapins’ 15th shutout of the season, a program record, and goalie Zac MacMath made three saves. It was a chippy game all around, with rough play from both sides. Maryland was called for 15 fouls and both Sunny Jane and Jason Herrick were awarded yellow cards, while Penn State had 12 fouls with Treavor Gelsinger and Brian Forgue getting booked.

In the battle of the twins, Alex Lee had a solid game at center back, playing all 90 minutes for the Terps. Justin Lee had two shots, including one on goal, in 51 minutes off the bench for the Nittany Lions.

Mayland was able to hold forward Corey Hertzog, who tied a Big Ten record with 20 goals this season, to only one shot in 85 minutes to play.

The Terps will face 10th-seeded Michigan in the Elite Eight. The Wolverines upset #7 South Carolina in their Sweet Sixteen match. Maryland has not faced Michigan this season, but the Wolverines defeated Penn State during Big Ten play. The game is scheduled for Saturday, December 4 at 1 p.m. ET in College Park.