Oct. 20, 2006

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - In a hard-fought physical contest, the No. 6 Indiana men's soccer team saw its six-game winning streak snapped with a 1-0 loss to Big Ten rival Penn State at University Park on Friday evening.

Although the Hoosiers (10-4-2, 3-1-1 Big Ten) out shot the Nittany Lions 9-5 in the game, and 5-1 in the second half, Indiana was unable to net the equalizer.

"We played a good second half," head coach Mike Freitag said. "We learned a good lesson from this one, that we can't give up any soft goals. It's hard to come back when you get down early."

Penn State (6-8-2, 3-2-0 Big Ten) wasted no time putting a point on the board, as they scored just 1:59 into the contest. Jeff Chambers centered a corner kick to David Gray, who netted his second goal of the season off a header.

Both teams each had four shots in the first half, although all of Indiana's were on goal. The team had chances in its attacking end, but attempts to set up crosses were deflected by the Penn State defense. Their best chance to score came in the 40th minute, as Brad Ring centered a cross from Eric Alexander, which was saved by Penn State goaltender Conrad Taylor.

Indiana had numerous opportunities early in the second half, as it held significant control of the ball but was not able to finish scoring opportunities. John Michael Hayden launched a ball over the top of the net in the 53rd minute, while Brian Ackley was called offside on a breakaway in the 54th minute.

In the 64th minute, Darren Yeagle, returning to the field after sitting out the last four games due to illness, ran down through the right side of the box to attempt a cross. He was tripped up, but no foul was called and Penn State kicked it away.

Indiana picked up its intensity in the final ten minutes, with several players attempting to set up scoring chances, including Kevin Alston, Josh Tudela, and Yeagle, but time after time the ball was knocked away by the Nittany Lions.

Tudela had a hard shot in the 87th minute that was saved. With less than two minutes left, Conrad made a leaping save to prevent Lee Hagedon's shot from reaching the net.

Conrad made seven saves in goal for Penn State. Chay Cain played the first 31 minutes of the game, leaving after an injury to the face. Chris Munroe made one save, playing the final 59 minutes.

The game was televised live on Fox Soccer Channel. Indiana is now 0-2 on television this season. It also fell 1-0 to Saint Louis on CSTV earlier this year.

In addition, it is the third straight game that Indiana has fallen to Penn State. The Nittany Lions defeated the Hoosiers twice last season.

Indiana returns to action on Tuesday, Oct. 24 against in-state rival Butler in Indianapolis.