Gameday Central
American	2
No. 18 Penn St.	1
Goals: Philipakos (AU), Jacquette (PSU), S. Kuykendall (AU) Assists: Herman (AU) Saves: Behonick (AU) 5, Moate (PSU) 3

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - American University defeated a ranked team for the second straight Sunday as the Eagles defeated No. 18 Penn State, 2-1, in the final match of the Penn State/Nike Classic. AU placed four members on the All-Tournament team as Shawn Kuykendall was named Tournament MVP.

American (5-1) controlled the ball for most of the first 20 minutes of the half, but were unable to get off any shots. Penn State (3-3), however, had three shots early in the match. AU broke through in the 20th minute as Andrew Herman sent the ball ahead to Peter Philipakos. Philipakos broke through two defenders and beat Penn State goalkeeper Ryan Moate in the lower left corner of the goal.

The Eagles were not able to hold the lead as Penn State brought the ball back just two minutes later. AU committed a foul in the penalty box, and the Nittany Lions were awarded a free kick. Brent Jacquette converted the kick on the left side of the goal past a diving Michael Behonick.

Penn State had another chance in the 44th minute as Anthony Calvano came down the field with the ball, but was stopped by Charlie Koniver and Behonick cleared the ball away safely.

The second half started with the Nittany Lions pressuring the Eagles defense. In the 49th minute, the ball was centered into the box and Chad Severs headed the ball towards goal, but Behonick was able to make the save. AU had an opportunity in the 60rd minute as Michael Grinsfelder touched the ball to Herman who touched the ball wide to Shawn Kuykendall. Kuykendall sent the ball in the box, but it was just out of Philipakos' reach.

AU took the lead just minutes later as Penn State committed a foul just outside of the box. Shawn Kuykendall took the free kick and curled it into the right corner of the goal for his second goal of the year as the Eagles took a 2-1 lead.

Penn State had its best chance of the half in the 71st minute as Mike Lindemann broke through the Eagle defense and fired a shot from just inside the box that was saved by Behonick.

With just over three minutes remaining, Kris Kuykendall carried the ball down the field with two Nittany Lion defenders on him. Kuykendall broke free and got a shot off, but it was saved by Moate.

AU had to fight off one final flurry by Penn State as the Nittany Lions had two corner kicks in the final 1:30. With 30 seconds remaining, Penn State sent the ball into the box and Jacquette put a dangerous header on goal, but Behonick made the save to seal the victory.

Shawn Kuykendall earned Tournament MVP honors after notching the game-winning goals against Penn State and Ohio State. He also had an assist against Ohio State.

Joining Kuykendall on the All-Tournament team was senior back Larry McDonald who played another solid match in the backfield, continuously turning away Nittany Lion attacks. Behonick, who made five saves against Penn State, also made the All-Tournament team as did defensive midfielder Jeff Kinney.

American returns home to Reeves Field on Wednesday as the Eagles face Old Dominion at 3:00 p.m.