Blevins' Brace Lifts Michigan Over Penn State to Open Big Ten Play

Friday, September 13

Ann Arbor, Mich.

7:00 PM

Michigan

5-0-1, 1-0-0

Penn State

2-4-0, 0-1-0

Penn St.

Michigan

Bryce Blevins (Michigan Photography)

Blevins' Brace Lifts Michigan Over Penn State to Open Big Ten Play

9/13/2024 10:57:00 PM | Men's Soccer

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By: Alex Whisnant

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 22-ranked University of Michigan men's soccer team defeated Penn State by a score of 2-1 on Friday (Sept. 13) at U-M Soccer Stadium to open conference action with a win.

Bryce Blevins shined offensively for the Wolverines (5-0-1, 1-0-0 Big Ten), scoring both goals -- his first two of the season -- to propel Michigan to the win. Pierre Lurot earned an assist in his Wolverines debut on Blevins' first score as did Beto Soto. Blevins' second marker came from the penalty spot, the first penalty goal of the season for the Maize and Blue. Isaiah Goldson notched his second win of the season in net for U-M. Michigan outshot the Nittany Lions 15-9 and put seven shots on target. Penn State's only shot on frame came on the goal.

Defense controlled the early portion of the first half as both teams combined for just six shot attempts in the first 30 minutes of action. Michigan found the breakthrough in the 33rd minute. Lurot lofted a cross from the right side of the field that made its way to Soto, who laid the ball off to Blevins and he powered the ball into the back of the net to put Michigan in front. The Wolverines have scored first in each of their first six contests in 2024. U-M took a 1-0 lead into the halftime locker room.

Penn State (2-4-0, 0-1-0 Big Ten) equalized in the 53rd minute as Aboubacar Camara slipped a shot past Goldson to tie the game at one. Michigan quickly responded by drawing its first penalty shot of the 2024 campaign. Duilio Herrera was fouled just inside the penalty area to set the table for Blevins, who coolly fired the ball into the top corner of the net to grab the lead back for the home side, 2-1.

The conference rivalry got physical in the late stages with Penn State being reduced to 10 men by way of red card in the 81st minute. Less than three minutes later, the Nittany Lions looked to have tied the match once again, but the equalizer was ruled out due to offside. Michigan was able to hold off pressure from Penn State to knock off the Nittany Lions for the first time since 2019.

Next up, U-M will face Washington for the first time as a league opponent on Monday (Sept. 16) at 7 p.m. at U-M Soccer Stadium. The conference tilt will be broadcast live on Big Ten Network.