PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania men's soccer team battled Princeton down to the final moments Saturday on Senior Night, ultimately falling 1-0, on a late goal by the Tigers.

Prior to the match, Penn's seven graduating players -- Joey Bhangdia, RC Williams, Spencer Higgins, Fayez Merchant, Matt Leigh, Brendan Hanrahan, and Anthony Rovito -- were recognized for their respective careers.

Quaker Notemeal

*Senior Dane Jacomen recorded five saves, giving him 47 for the season in just under 900 minutes in net this season, surpassing the 45 saves he made in just over 1300 minutes in net in 2019.

*Jacomen's effort on Saturday moved him back into first place in the conference in save percentage (.797).

 *Saturday marked Penn's eighth one-goal contest of the season, six of those coming at home; they're 5-3 in such matches, 4-2 at home.

How It Happened

As was the case in two of Penn's previous three home contests, the match went to the half scoreless. Princeton's leading scorer, Kevin O'Toole, managed solid contact on a bicycle kick attempt in the 28th minute, but the ball was struck right into Jacomen's gloves. Princeton had another opportunity from inside the 18-yard box less than 10 minutes later, but Jacomen was once again equal to the task.

Bhangdia and freshman Stas Korzeniowski had on-target attempts less than 90 seconds apart in the 64th and 65th minute, respectively, but neither made it past Princeton keeper Jack Roberts..

In the 85th minute, Walker Gillespie got just enough speed and arc on a header to get it over the outstretched arms of a diving Jacomen, putting the Tigers on top. That was the final shot of the night for either side.

With the win, Princeton clinched the 2021 Ivy League Championship and will represent the league in the NCAA Tournament.

Up Next

Penn closes out the 2021 season with a visit to Harvard next Saturday afternoon, with opening kick scheduled for 1 p.m.