Nil – Nil Result In a Neighbor Contest
PHILADELPHIA, PA 8/28/2025 –
A neighborhood derby saw the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel play to a 0 – 0 tie on Rhodes Field. Early in the season a local rivalry game is exciting as both squads who are in the early stages of the season.
“I think it’s a great rivalry, they are our neighbors, and it’s just about Philly pride,” said Penn Coach Dr. Krissy Turner. “I think we need to create some more opportunities, But certainly it was an entertaining game back and forth.”
“It’s the shortest road trip in the country,” observed Drexel Coach Ray Goon. “Really excited each time we come here. It’s a beautiful complex, beautiful pitch. We knew Penn was going to be well prepared, well coached. It was a good challenge for us.”
Both Penn and Drexel remain undefeated in a game where defense became the key. There was a total of 12 shots (7 – 5 in favor of the Dragons), and 7 saves. Quakers goal keeper Annabel Austen made 5 stops.
Drexel had the better of the chances later in the game, Penn at the beginning of the second half. But no shots found the back of the net. The biggest save of the game was Austen late in the second half as the Dragons had a golden opportunity to hit the game winner which would have given the visitors their first win on the turf at Rhodes Field. Dragons forward Elise Duffy got just behind the Penn defense, but Austen who was on the ground got her hands on the ball in the center just at the goal crease to stop the threat at the 79:01 mark. At 86:17 defender Julia Hahn let a shot go from inside the 18 meter mark, but it sailed high and over the bar.
“They had one great chance,” Turner said about the performance of Austen. “She did a great job on the most important one, the one they got in behind,” Turner said about the performance of Austen.
“I think we don’t really focus on scoring more goals,” said Goon. “We focus more on creating quality opportunities and creating as many of those opportunities as possible. Pretty happy with that towards the end of the match.”
Drexel had 5 corner kicks to a single for Red and Blue.
Duffy led the Dragons with 2 shots, both on goal. Forward Liv Brocious also had 2 shots, one required a save. Forward Abbey Cook led Penn with 2 shots with one that was turned away.
Drexel (1 – 0 – 4) hosts Seton Hall at Vidas Field on Sunday. The young group is learning and wants to continue to improve.
“We call it continual improvement,” Goon said. “Get better each day, and with a young group like this it bodes well for their confidence. I think they see the production and results of their consistent play.”
Penn (1 – 0 -1)hosts George Mason the same day. The Quakers look to keeping the slate clean on goals allowed.
“We’ve had two games and we haven’t given up any goals, and we’ll take that,” Turner said.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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