Nittany Lions Ranked 22nd in the Latest NSCAA Poll
In the November 6th National Soccer Coaches of America Association poll the Lions dropped to 22nd. They were ranked 12th in the Oct. 30 poll. Earlier in the season, Penn State was ranked as high as 2nd in the poll.
Derek Potteiger Ranked second in the Big Ten in Goals, Scoring
All-American candidate Derek Potteiger led Penn State in scoring with 26 points off 11 goals and four assists. He ended the regular season second in the Big Ten behind Wisconsin's Dominic DaPra, who had 36. Potteiger has impressed coaches all season long earning MVP honors at all three of the Lions' Nike Classic appearances. He first won the honor at the New Hampshire Nike Classic in the opening weekend of the season. In that tournament he scored an overtime goal to defeat the hosts from UNH in the pivotal game. In the Penn State Nike Classic Potteiger another overtime goal just two minutes into the extra stanza in a game against the College of Charleston. Potteiger that earned his final MVP performance with the lone goal for the Lions in their 1-1 tie versus Kentucky at the Ohio State Nike Classic.
Ricardo Villar to Petition for Medical Redshirt
Senior forward Ricardo Villar plans to petition for a medical redshirt in the hopes of retaining eligibility for the 2001 season. A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Villar was nominated as one of the fifteen preseason finalists for the Hermann Trophy. The award is annually presented to the nation's finest collegiate soccer player. As a junior Villar led the Lions in Scoring with 13 goals and 9 assists. The 1999 All-American and Soccer America national player of the year participated in the first two games of the season at the New Hampshire Nike Classic, but has not seen action since. He originally suffered the right ankle injury in the team's summer tour of the Netherlands. Villar plans to graduate in December of 2001.
Shahay Fourth in the Big Ten in Assists
Freshman forward Nic Shahay finished the regular season with five assists to put him fifth in the Big Ten. The freshman played outstanding in the weekend trip to Northwestern and Wisconsin notching two assists in each of the Penn State victories. Shahay has also netted two goals this year for a total of nine points. Unfortunately Shahay suffered a torn ACL late in the season which cut his successful freshman campaign short.
Lions Suffering through Injuries
Joining Ricardo Villar and Nic Shahay as injured Nittany Lions are Brent Jacquette who is doubtful to participate in the Big Ten Tournament this weekend due to a pulled hamstring he suffered earlier in the season. Defender Chris Stout suffered an ankle injury just fifteen minutes into the loss versus Hartwick that left him sidelined for the remainder of the game. Stout is expected to play in the Big Ten Tournament. The Lions have also battled the illness bug in recent weeks with Matt Leahy, Greg Oldfield, and Derek Potteiger all facing flu-like illnesses.
Two Trips to Columbus in Three Weeks
This will mark the Lions' second trip to Ohio State in three weeks. Penn State faced off against Cincinnati and Kentucky in the Ohio State Nike Classic two weeks ago.
Gorman Second on All-time Win List
Last season Barry Gorman moved past Bill Jeffrey for second place on Penn State's career win list. With 175 wins entering the weekend, Gorman now only trails Walter Bahr who coached Penn State to a record of 185-66-22 from 1974-1987.
Penn State Seeking Elusive Title
Penn State is looking for their first Big Ten Tournament title since 1993. Penn State has struggled to get over the hump versus two-time defending National Champion Indiana. The Hoosiers have eliminated the Nittany Lions from the last six Big Ten Tournaments including a 2-1 double overtime thriller last season. Penn State's victory in 1993 marked the only time that Indiana did not either win or share the Big Ten Tournament title.
Nathaniel Krumpe Awarded as the 2000 Bill Jeffrey Award winner
Nathaniel Krumpe has been announced as the 2000 winner of the Bill Jeffrey award. The award, named after the legendary Penn State coach from 1926-1952, is annually presented to the Nittany Lion player who best represents leadership, sportsmanship, and teamwork both on and off the field. The announcement was made by head coach Barry Gorman at a banquet honoring this year's three senior members of the Penn State men's soccer team. Penn State soccer legends Walter Bahr and Bud Anderson were there to congratulate the senior. Krumpe, a four year lettter-winner, has started every game for the Nittany Lions this season. In the opening game of the year, Krumpe scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal in the Lions 3-0 victory over the University of Vermont. Krumpe has been a solid and consistent contributor for both the midfield and defense this season.
