Following the worst loss in six years of the program, something needed to change. And it did.

The Penn State women's soccer team changed its formation from an alignment with three defensive backs, three midfielders and four forwards to a lineup that has four defensive backs, four midfielders and only two forwards.

Since the change the No. 13 Nittany Lions (9-2-1, 4-1 Big Ten) have not allowed a goal in two games.

The Lions will look to continue the trend this weekend against a pair of Big Ten rivals. Tonight at 7, Illinois (6-6, 2-3) invades Happy Valley at Jeffrey Field looking for its first win in 10 tries. Iowa (6-4-1, 1-3-1) will also attempt to defeat Penn State for the time, at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday at Jeffrey Field. The Hawkeyes have lost all five games by a combined score of 14-4.

Penn State women's soccer coach Paula Wilkins said the change has helped to better shape the field for her squad. Despite only playing two forwards, Hermann Trophy winner Christie Welsh and junior Heidi Drummond, has received more offense from All-American midfielder Joanna Lohman.

With the new set-up, Lohman has been able to go on the offensive more, which has been displayed in her recent play. She has 12 shots on goal in her last two outings, tallying two goals and three assists, including the only goal against Maryland. Wilkins attributes at least part of the change to Amanda Lentz.

"Amanda has been able to win a lot of balls in the midfield," she said. "It has helped us a lot."

Lohman also realizes that the play of her counterpart has allowed her to be freed up, and remove some of the defensive burden.

"I have been able to focus more on the offense with Amanda playing more the defensive role," said Lohman following the Maryland game. "It creates more space on the field."

The Lions' defense will have its hands full with the conference third-leading goal scorer, the Fighting Illini's Tara Hurless. Hurless has tallied eight goals and an assist this season. Illinois is coming off a huge 5-2 victory last weekend against Minnesota. Junior Tiffany Walker scored twice in the game, and put the Illini back into the hunt for a Big Ten tournament berth. Illinois currently stands seventh in the conference. The top eight teams qualify for the tournament.

"Losing that game would have really put us in a hole in the Big Ten," Illinois women's soccer coach Janet Rayfield said. "Now it's a battle, now it's a fight."

Iowa has played rejuvenated soccer and compiled a 1-0-1 weekend last week after beginning the Big Ten campaign 0-3.

Iowa gives Penn State a great deal of respect, and is focusing on limiting Welsh's scoring opportunities.

"Penn State is a solid team," Iowa women's soccer coach Carla Baker said in a press release. "We had to give Christie Welsh a lot of respect. We can't be intimidated by her, but have to make sure not to give her any open looks."