Moving away from the Philadelphia area meant that I would be away from some of my favorite things. One of those things is my local soccer club, the Philadelphia Union. As a member of the team’s supporter’s group and someone who went to every single game, I needed to have my time in State College filled with soccer in some capacity. Luckily for me, I got to get involved with another great supporter’s section, the #PennStateFutbol student section. 

Tailgating with some of the players parents and Penn State fans. We Are..One big family!

As you may have guessed, the#PennStateFutbol student section serves as the student fan base for the Penn State Men’s Soccer team. Unlike other years, this is the first year where full out student support is at every soccer game. Win or lose, the student section will always be there. Luckily for us, we’ve only got to experience one loss this season. As of right now, the Nittany Lions are undefeated at home with a sparkling 10-1-1 record and ranked #12 in the nation. The team is highlighted by one of the best goalie’s in the nation, senior Andrew Wolverton and goal scoring machine Connor Maloney (sophmore) with help from Mikey Minutillo (red-shirt senior). Under the leadership of Bob Warming, one of the most motivation coaches I’ve ever seen, the team has had an amazing year so far with the pieces to contend for a national title.

Photo with the team post match (don’t even try to look for me, I was hidden in the back, ha!)

Last weekend, the #PennStateFutbol student section got the opportunity to travel with the team to the University of Maryland to take on the Maryland men’s soccer team. We woke up early and departed for Maryland, excited to have the opportunity to support our boys on the road. When arriving at Ludwig field, we realized that we weren’t in State College anymore. The stadium was sub-par compared to Jeffery Field, the great place we call home. While the score was not in our favor and Maryland handed us our first lost of the season, it was great to travel with the team and cheer them on. We showed the team that win or lose, we will always have their backs. That is what makes a great supporters section.

After the match, even though the players were rightfully upset, they still came out to talk to us and thank us for making the trip. Coach Warming talked to us for a bit too and told us that the student section support has been fantastic this year and are excited about the rest of the year. It really made me realize that even though we weren’t on the field, the student section is still part of the team.

This Saturday (October 16th) at 7pm the Men’s Soccer team returns home for a showdown against Michigan. All students that come will receive free hot chocolate. If you’re into soccer or have never even been to a match, I recommend that you come out. You will not be disappointed. Bring your friends and show Michigan that Penn State is unrivaled!

For all my newbies, Jeffery Field is located behind and between the IM Building and Beaver Stadium.