The University of Pennsylvania men’s soccer team played Seton Hall to a 0-0 draw on Friday night in South Orange, New Jersey. The result marks the first tie of the season for the nationally ranked Quakers.
Goalkeeper David Howard recorded his second shutout of the season, making a career-high five saves during the match. His most notable moment came in the 87th minute when he stopped a penalty kick taken by Augustin Resch, preserving the scoreless result.
Penn had seven corner kicks in the game, with five occurring in the first half. Seton Hall earned two corners. The teams combined for 11 fouls throughout the match, including one that led to a penalty against Penn.
Seniors Oliver Pratt and Jack Wagoner were responsible for Penn’s two shots on goal. Four players—Connor Dawson, Howard, Malachi Neal, and Pratt—played all 90 minutes. Joaquin Niehenke made his season debut off the bench and played 51 minutes.
The game’s early action saw Seton Hall register the first shot in the seventh minute, which was saved by Howard. Shortly after, Penn earned its first corner kick but was unable to convert as Jack-Ryan Jeremiah’s attempt went over the crossbar.
In the 22nd minute, Michael Howard drew a foul from Giacomo Mana of Seton Hall. This set up a free kick by Patrick Cayelli that went over Pirates goalkeeper Matias Molina. Later in the half, Pratt headed another shot at Molina following Penn’s second corner kick opportunity.
Both defenses held firm into halftime. In the second half, scoring opportunities remained limited until Wagoner’s shot in the 58th minute nearly broke through for Penn.
Seton Hall appeared close to scoring in the 68th minute with an attempt from Hugo Gerbore but was called for a handball. Erickson Sakalosky produced Penn’s best offensive chance in the 74th minute with a wide shot that forced a defensive play from Seton Hall.
Howard made several key saves late in regulation—including stops against Gerbore and Mans Saebbo—to keep Seton Hall off the scoreboard as time ran down.
The pivotal moment arrived when Niehenke committed a foul inside Penn’s box with three minutes left. However, Howard denied Resch’s penalty attempt to secure a draw for his team.
Penn now holds a record of 1-0-1 overall and will next face Delaware on Tuesday, September 9 at 7 p.m. in Newark.
