PHILADELPHIA - For the 11th-straight year, the University of Pennsylvania men's soccer team will begin its seven-match chase for an Ivy League championship with a battle against Cornell, as the Quakers and Big Red kickoff on Saturday, September 29 at 1 p.m. in Ithaca, N.Y.

MATCH DAY 7 - Penn (2-1-3) at Cornell (6-2)
Saturday, September 29 | 1 p.m. | Berman Field | Live Stats | ESPN+

Series Information
The Quakers have faced Cornell more than any team in program history, holding a 58-32-14 lead in their 104 all-time meetings. Penn is unbeaten against the Big Red in its last five meetings, dating back to 2013. Last year saw the two teams battle into double overtime, tied 1-1 with a goal from Jerel Blades, before settling for a draw. The Quakers have won seven of their last eight road matches against Cornell.

Forbes on Lockdown   
Senior goalkeeper Scott Forbes is in the midst of his most successful season between the pipes for the Quakers, sporting four shutouts in six games. Already earning Philadelphia Soccer Six Defensive Player of the Week honors once this year, Forbes collected a career-high seven saves in his last outing at Marist. The New Jersey native's .867 save percentage ranks first in the Ivy League, while his goals against average of 0.587 is good for second in the conference. Individually, Forbes ranks eighth nationally in save percentage and 17th in GAA, while as a whole, Penn is 12th in the nation GAA.

Notable Numbers
The Quakers boast four shutouts in six games on the year, already their most since posting six in 2013. Three of those shutouts defensively came in scoreless draws, as Penn has played three 0-0 games in a season for just the third time in program history and first since 2008. Penn has an overall record of 2-1-3 through six games for the second time in program history and first since 1985.

Going the Distance
Much of Penn's defensive success is due in large part to consistency from the back four. The Quakers' unit of Alex Touche, Casey Barone, Erumuse Momoh and RC Williams have played all 613 and 20 seconds of action this season. Midfielder and set-piece specialist Brandon Bartel is right behind at 612 minutes played, only exiting once for a brief injury checkup last time out at Marist. 

Good Times in Overtime
Both of Penn's wins this season have come in overtime, as the Quakers defeated Monmouth in the opening game of the year at home, 3-2, sending in the game-winner in the 99th minute. The next week at Marquette, the Red and Blue again found themselves in extra time and delivered with a goal in the 95th minute. Both game-winning goals have come from Touche, delivered by Bartel. 

Leading the League
Penn currently sits atop the Ivy League in opponent goal average (0.67) and ranks third in both corner kicks (39) and shots per game (12.50). Joey Bhangdia's average of 2.33 shots per game ranks fourth in the league, while Bartel's assist total (2) and Touche's game-winning goal total (2) are both third in the conference.  

Scouting the Big Red
Cornell sits atop the Ivy League with six wins on the season to only two loses, and enters Satuday's conference opener winners of three in a row. The Quakers and Big Red share one common opponent on the year in Lehigh, as Penn battled to a scoreless draw in Bethlehem while Cornell defeated the Mountain Hawks 3-2 in overtime earlier this week. There is a familial aspect to Saturday's matchup, as the twin brother of Penn's Alex Touche, Charles, plays for the Big Red. Both lead their respective teams in goals on the season. Cornell's Harry Fuller leads the league with four assists on the year.