NEWARK, N.J.-The New Jersey City University women's soccer team wrapped up their participation in the Brick City Classic with a 1-1 draw against Eastern on Sunday, Sept. 1, at Frederick Douglass Field.

Both NJCU and Eastern kicked off their seasons at the Brick City Classic and, with the draw, each team now stands at 1-0-1.

Eastern made an aggressive start, earning two corner kicks and registering a shot on goal within the first two minutes. Despite Eastern's early pressure, NJCU gained control for much of the first half and broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. Junior midfielder Nyrohah Alvarenga (North Bergen, N.J./High Tech) delivered a precise assist to freshman forward Gabrielle Cardona, who scored her fourth goal of the season. 

In the second half, Eastern equalized in the 72nd minute with a goal from Mia Zucker. NJCU's fifth-year forward Ari Florez-Ortiz had a chance to reclaim the lead in the 89th minute, but Eastern's Faith Leake made a crucial save to keep the score level.

Highlights:
- Cardona scored her fourth goal of the season.
- Alvarenga notched her second assist of the season, bringing her career total to 13.
- Alvarenga led the team with six shots, three of which were on target.
- Junior goalkeeper Sophia Mannino (Burlington, N.J./Burlington Township) recorded four saves throughout the match.

Up Next:
The Gothic Knights will next travel to Purchase, N.Y., for a non-conference game against Manhattanville on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 4:00 p.m.