The Wisconsin men's soccer team, resembling a red army during pre-game warm-ups, dissected the opposition and unleashed an offensive attack that could not be contained.

With an overpowering first half Wisconsin, amid controversy, defeated an uninspired and frustrated Penn State (6-4, 1-1 Big Ten) squad, 1-0, yesterday at Jeffrey Field.

Wisconsin (7-6, 1-1 Big Ten) controlled the pace of the game throughout but almost lost the lead in the closing moments. With just over one minute remaining, Penn State forward Simon Omekanda, collided with the opposing goalkeeper, and headed the ball to wide open teammate Mike Lindemann, who stuck the offering between the posts.

Bedlam ensued, as did a questionable foul on the Nittany Lions, which negated the goal.

Regardless of the controversial call, it had been a lackluster game for Penn State, Penn State men's soccer coach Barry Gorman said.

"We didn't come ready to play, and we had no urgency," Gorman said.

The match, was Penn State's first home defeat in ten games.

Wisconsin set the tone early and took the lead late in the first half. Badger forward Aaron Hohlbein, resembling soccer star Roby Baggio, netted a direct kick from 22 yards out in the upper left corner of the goal during the 33rd minute to give Wisconsin the lead.

Penetrating deep into Penn State territory, Wisconsin's ability to get behind the defense was a key factor, Wisconsin men's soccer coach Jeff Rohrman said.

"Hohlbein and [forward] Phil Doeh did a great job today," Rohrman said. "It was important that we attacked early and found some gaps."

In a game marked by youth, eleven freshmen made it into the starting lineup between the two teams, with Penn State contributing six of those freshmen.

Penn State's team unity began to unravel midway through the second half. On separate occasions, Brian Devlin and Gabe Bernstein began shouting at teammates due to sluggish play.

Wisconsin goalkeeper Eric Hanson made five saves, with Penn State forward Chad Severs, still recovering from an ankle injury, taking four. Severs looked closer to usual form throughout the game but sported a slight limp afterwards.

Gorman blamed his team's poor performance on a lack of motivation, something which he was unable to counteract.

"With the talent on this Penn State team, we need to be attacking and creating chances," Gorman said. "These guys have got to get the job done, instead of taking the game like a Sunday afternoon stroll in the sun."