JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) women's soccer team battled to a 2-2 draw in their home opener against non-conference foe John Jay on Friday, Sept. 6. The Gothic Knights overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit to take the lead, only for the Bloodhounds to equalize late in the game.

John Jay (1-0-1) managed to score first despite being outshot by NJCU (1-0-3) in the first half (5-2). The Bloodhounds took a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute with a well-placed strike through the Gothic Knights' defense.

The Gothic Knights equalized in the 60th minute when junior midfielder Nyrohah Alvarenga (North Bergen, N.J./High Tech) delivered a free kick into the box. The ball found freshman midfielder Sarah Reyes (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield), who passed to junior back Samantha Syzmanski at the top of the box. Syzmanski then fired a shot into the upper center of the net, leveling the score.

A pivotal moment came in the 72nd minute when a John Jay offside call led to a free kick for sophomore goalkeeper Sophia Mannino (Burlington, N.J./Burlington Township). Mannino's precise kick found junior midfielder Gineth Martinez, who headed the ball to the penalty box. Fifth-year forward Kim Brites (Carteret, N.J./Carteret) capitalized on the opportunity, scoring to put NJCU ahead 2-1.

However, with under three minutes remaining, John Jay managed to tie the game again with a goal from close range.

Game Highlights:
- NJCU outshot John Jay 13-5 overall and 8-3 on target.
- Syzmanski recorded her first goal of the season and the sixth of her career.
- Brites scored her second goal of the season, marking her 30th career goal.
- Reyes and Martinez each earned their first collegiate assists.
- Mannino recorded her first collegiate assist and made one save on the only shot on goal she faced.

Up Next:
The Gothic Knights will travel to Immaculata for a 4:00 p.m. non-conference match on Thursday, Sept. 12.