“I think both of those guys have been very solid,” said Rensing. “I thought Jared really played a good game. Jeb’s been very solid too, we just lost a little depth.”

The Spartans, without joint-leading goal scorer Merritt, were still in firm control of the game throughout the first half, dominating from the opening kickoff and creating multiple big chances on goal. Despite the attacking pressure, goalkeeper Jonathan Evans would not let anything in, making big save after big save to keep the Nittany Lions level as long as he could.

But Evans and the Nittany Lion defense couldn’t hold off the Spartans' attack, as forward Richie Ludwig broke through and opened the scoring in the 39th minute. Defender Aidan Phelan started the break by finding forward Chimnosah Okeke, who played Ludwig through with a ball to the top of the box. Ludwig dribbled past the Penn State defense and drilled a shot into the bottom right corner for his third goal of the season, joining the team’s top scorers list.

Their lead would be short-lived, which is a growing theme for the Spartans this season, as it took Penn State just 5 minutes to find the equalizer despite not being very threatening most of the half. Midfielder Caden Grabfelder would cross a ball into the box which was not properly dealt with defensively and Van Danielson would capitalize on the opportunity with a volley into the bottom right corner, leveling the game at 1-1 going into half-time. 

MSU was dominant in the second half, but couldn’t take advantage of their opportunities, leaving it level until the 73rd minute where midfielder Malick Daouda would grab Penn State’s second goal, giving them their first lead. Midfielder Christian Dionne would run right at the defense and pick out a pass to Daouda, who would launch a shot from the top of the box, firing it into the top right corner. The Spartans stepped it up a notch, throwing everything they had at the Nittany Lions, growing more desperate for a game-tying goal as the clock ticked away. MSU would not be able to find the goal they needed to at least get a draw and Rensing's squad would drop to 5-5 on the season.

This game came down to execution and taking advantage of opportunities, something the Spartans were unable to do. Despite being on the back foot and dominating for almost the entire game, Penn State finished off their chances, which was ultimately the difference maker that led to them winning this game.

“I think all the stats don’t matter,” said Rensing. “You've got to defend in the box, and you’ve got to put away your chances.”

It was a different look at DeMartin Stadium as the MSU men’s soccer team was supported by a crowd of pink and white shirts in its matchup against Penn State for the annual Pink Game in support of breast cancer awareness. The Red Cedar Rowdies were also larger in number, welcoming Izzone members on the night of the campout, giving the Spartans a much deserved packed stadium after a historic week.

MSU now has a full week to shake off the loss and get their heads right before heading to Northwestern on October 11th.