September 02, 2006
The 4th-ranked Texas A&M soccer team will conclude the Big 12-Big Ten Challenge on Sunday as it hosts the 2nd-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions at the Aggie Soccer Stadium. Kickoff for the match is set for 1:30 p.m.
| MATCH INFO |
| Sunday, Sept. 3, 1:30 p.m. (CDT) Aggie Soccer Stadium (3,000), College Station |
| RECORDS |
| Texas A&M: 3-0 Penn State: 1-1-1 |
| RANKINGS |
| A&M is ranked 4th by Soccer America, 5th by Soccer Times, 7th by Soccer Buzz and 9th by the NSCAA. Penn State is ranked 2nd by Soccer Times, 3rd by the NSCAA, 4th by Soccer Buzz and 5th by Soccer America. |
| RADIO |
| AggieAthletics.com - 89.9 FM inside the stadium Matt Simon, play-by-play Carrie Berend, commentary (broadcast time 1:15 p.m. CDT) |
| INTERNET |
| Live Video (Free): (Aggies All-Access) Live Stats: (aggieathletics.com) |
| SERIES |
| Penn State leads, 3-0 Last Meeting: (11/19/05) |
| UP NEXT |
| A&M at (#2) UCLA Friday, Sept. 8, 9 p.m. (CDT) Drake Stadium, Los Angeles, Calif. |
"We really feel like this is going to be a great game by two teams who put a strong emphasis on playing an attractive attacking style," commented A&M head coach G. Guerrieri. "The fact that Penn State was upset by Texas on Friday night will only serve as more motivation for them to come in and get a positive result in Aggieland."
The Big 12 currently holds the lead in the challenge 4-3-2 after Friday's games. With the 3-0 shutout of the Illini, A&M improved to 3-0-0 on the season, while the loss to the Longhorns dropped the Nittany Lions to 1-1-1.
In the first three matches of 2006, the Aggies have dominated all statistical categories, outscoring opponents 11-0, outshooting them 72-26 and taking 29 corners to the challenger's eight. The Aggie backline has stifled opposing offenses so much so that A&M keepers have only had to make six saves while the Aggie forwards have caused opposing goalies to make 24 saves.
Until last night, Penn State had not lost a match since the NCAA Tournament in 2004, compiling a 24-0-3 record over the previous 27 games. It was the Nittany Lions, eventual College Cup semi-finalists, who knocked the Aggies out of the NCAA third round last year at University Park, Pa. Penn State leads the all-time series against A&M 3-0.
Since the 2001 season, Penn State has brought home five Big Ten Conference trophies while the Aggies have amassed six Big 12 regular season and tournament trophies.
The Aggie soccer team will be on hand after the match to sign autographs. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and can purchase tickets at the gate or online at AggieAthletics.com. Parking for the match is available in lots designated 100g, 100j or 100k.