PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania - Penn (4-3-4) and NJIT (5-3-6) battled to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday evening at Rhodes Field, with Eden Veenema's 89th-minute equalizer denying the Highlanders a road victory. The match was played before a crowd of 527 spectators.
Kylie Emanuel gave Penn the early advantage in the 13th minute, finishing a well-worked move assisted by Avery Chapel. NJIT responded through Kirra Hyder's strike in the 41st minute to level the match. The Highlanders took the lead when Briana Andreoli found the net in the 51st minute off a Maria Nogueira assist, before Veenema's late heroics secured the draw with Mallory Lucas providing the assist in the 89th minute.
The first half saw Penn dominate possession and create multiple chances. Avery Chapel tested the NJIT defense with a shot in the 6th minute that sailed high. Eden Veenema followed with another attempt in the 16th minute, while Kylie Emanuel and Mallory Lucas both forced saves from NJIT goalkeeper Mojisola Ayodele. The Highlanders defended resolutely, with Maria Nogueira organizing the backline effectively despite picking up a yellow card.
NJIT showed more attacking intent after the break, with Briana Andreoli particularly dangerous in the final third. The Highlanders' tactical adjustment to press higher up the field paid dividends when Andreoli broke through to give them the lead. Penn responded by introducing fresh legs, with Magali Capdevila and Hailey Adamsky providing new energy in midfield. The home team's persistence was finally rewarded when Veenema struck with just two minutes remaining.
The final statistics reflected Penn's overall control of the match, outshooting NJIT 20-9 with 10 shots on target to the Highlanders' 6. The Quakers also dominated set pieces, earning 6 corner kicks while NJIT had none. Mojisola Ayodele finished with 8 crucial saves for NJIT, while Penn's Annabel Austen recorded 4 stops.
Individual performances shaped the outcome, with Eden Veenema leading Penn's attack through multiple dangerous attempts before scoring the equalizer. NJIT's Briana Andreoli proved a constant threat with three shots on target, while Maria Nogueira anchored the visitors' defense despite playing under caution after her 54th-minute yellow card. Mallory Lucas's creative presence in midfield was evident throughout, culminating in her assist on the equalizer.
The tactical battle showcased contrasting approaches, with Penn attempting to control possession through their midfield trio of Veenema, Lucas, and Emanuel, while NJIT relied on quick counterattacks and Andreoli's pace up front. The Highlanders' defensive organization frustrated Penn for long stretches, but ultimately couldn't prevent the late equalizer.
This result extends both teams' unbeaten runs, with NJIT now having drawn three straight matches following ties against Binghamton and New Hampshire. Penn's resilience in securing the late equalizer maintains their competitive position in the Ivy League standings, though they'll be disappointed not to have converted their statistical advantage into three points.
Looking ahead, Penn faces a crucial Ivy League matchup at Columbia on October 12, while NJIT travels to Vermont for an America East Conference clash on October 16. Both teams will look to build on their defensive organization while seeking to be more clinical in front of goal.