PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania women's soccer team took Drexel to a 0-0 draw on Thursday night in the second match of the season on Rhodes Field.
The draw brings Penn's record to 1-0-1 to begin the year while Drexel moves to 1-0-4 on the young season. In a tough, gritty defensive battle that resulted in a hard-fought tie, the Quakers were not without a few bright spots on the night.
Quaker Notemeal
*Senior goalkeeper Annabel Austen put together a stellar performance, stopping five shots put on net in this contest. She remains perfect to open the season with two shutouts and seven saves on the year to date.
*Junior Abbey Cook led the way offensively for Penn with two shots on goal, with three others pitching in a SOG of their own (Kylie Emanuel, Mia Fuss, Mallory Lucas).
*The draw brings Penn's all-time record against Drexel to 9-3-2. The other tie in the series took place on September 18, 2016.
How it Happened
The previous five matches between the Quakers and Dragons were all decided by a goal or less, and this one proved to be no different. The first half was dominated in the midfield, with neither defense surrendering much in the way of offense. The first half saw just four total shot attempts, with Austen making two saves.
The second half was a different story as offensive chances picked up in the final 45 minutes. Around the 46' mark, Drexel senior Lea Kemp had an opportunity towards the bottom center of the goal that was quickly dismissed by Austen.
Not a minute later, the freshman Emanuel took a pass near the right corner, zipping a ball across the middle that nearly resulted in a goal if not for a team save on the far post. The Quakers' best opportunity of the night came when freshman Lauren Stevens crossed one to her classmate Emanuel, who tipped the ball off her right foot just wide right of scoring range
The Quakers held the Dragons to just seven total shots on the night, finding a good defensive presence at the midline in the first half and providing a stout defensive presence in their own territory in the second half.
Up Next
The Red and Blue will look to get back in the win column on Sunday at 2 p.m., hosting George Mason in the final of a three-match homestand to open the 2025 season.
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