Independence Defeats Penn State in Final Preseason Match
Just one day after announcing the final 2010 roster, the Independence faced off against Penn State in front of another sellout crowd, defeating the Nittany Lions 1-0. Despite missing several key players due to National Team duty, the Independence demonstrated the depth of the roster with a solid defensive effort and a game-winning goal from Penn State alum, Joanna Lohman.
From the first whistle, the Independence showed their attacking prowess, creating several dangerous opportunities in the opening minutes of the match. The Independence finally struck in the 29th minute with a volleyed finish from Independence midfielder Joanna Lohman. Lyndsey Patterson demonstrated her quickness and skill on the outside, beating her defender and lofting a cross to Lohman, who buried it past the keeper. Last night’s game-winner marks Lohman’s third goal in four preseason matches for the Independence. Lohman and Patterson connected again just minutes after the goal, this time creating a dangerous chance for Patterson that was stopped with a spectacular save by the Penn State keeper.
The Independence entered halftime with a 1-0 lead, and both teams came out strong the second half. Both the Independence and Penn State focused on a more possession-oriented style of play and the teams battled in the middle-third of the field for much of the half. Holmfridur Magnusdottir provided a spark for the Independence on the left side, creating problems for the Penn State defense and sending two blistering shots just over the crossbar in the 70th and 84th minutes. Penn State turned up the pressure in the closing minutes of the match, with a dangerous opportunity in stoppage time that the team was unable to convert. Goalkeeper Val Henderson was a commanding presence in net, and the Independence were able to hold the 1-0 lead until the final whistle.
Last night’s contest was an important victory for the Independence in the last scrimmage before the team takes on Atlanta in the WPS Home Opener next weekend. Tickets for the April 11th inaugural Independence match are on sale at www.independencetix.com! Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of history and support the return of professional women’s soccer to Philadelphia!
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