UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.—The Penn State women’s soccer team secured a solid 2-0 victory over Big Ten foe Northwestern at rainy Jeffrey Field on Friday.  Behind the strength of Danielle Toney (Northville, Mich.) and Katie Schoepfer (Waterford, Conn.), who each tallied a goal in the game’s first 11 minutes, the Nittany Lions rolled to their second-straight win.

Penn State (6-5-1, 2-1-0 Big Ten) played some of its finest soccer right out of the gates, taking the offense to the Wildcats.  Christine Nairn (Bowie, Md.) corralled a ball about 30 yards from net, played it to Schoepfer who left a one-touch pass to a streaking Toney.  From there, Toney put a light chip underneath the ball, sending it over the sprawling Carolyn Edwards (five saves) and into the net just 2:17 into the game. The goal was the fastest the Lions have scored this season.

Just over eight minutes later, with the Nittany Lions still on the attack, Toney took a throw in and led Schoepfer with a nice crossing pass as Schoepfer deposited the ball into the back of the net for the two-goal advantage.  Schoepfer’s fourth goal of the season came in the third-straight game in which she has scored.

Northwestern (4-7-2, 1-2-1) had a chance mid-way through the half when Jessica Palo’s chance from the left wing was saved nicely by Alyssa Naeher (two saves).  Naeher recorded her fourth shutout of the season by blanking the Wildcats, who had just two of their 12 shots on goal.

PSU had plenty of other chances during the game, putting eight shots on frame, and out-shooting Northwestern, 13-7, in the first half.  Jess Rosenbluth (Gladwyne, Pa.) and Rachel Lamarre (Montreal, Quebec) each had solid chances in the second half, but neither capitalized on them.

Northwestern held edges in corner kicks (6-5) and saves (6-2), while Penn State earned 13 fouls to the Wildcats’ 12.  Both teams were whistled three times for offsides.

At halftime, a special commemorative ceremony recognized the achievements of women’s soccer alums Christie Welsh and Bonnie Young.  Joined by Susan Delaney-Scheetz, the duo was presented with their numbered jerseys in appreciation for their tremendous work and dedication to Penn State soccer.  Although PSU Athletics does not officially retire numbers, no one has worn Welsh’s No. 13 since she left the program as a four-time NSCAA All-American.

With the win, the Lions upped their record to 18-2-1 all-time when Toney scores as well as notching the team’s 73rd win on Jeffrey Field in 78 tries.  Penn State moved to 16-2-0 all-time against Northwestern, which includes a 13-game winning streak over the Wildcats.

The Nittany Lions will return to Jeffrey Field on Sunday morning when they will cap a three-game home stand against Iowa. The game, which is a CODE BLUE event, is set for 11:00 a.m.