JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) women's soccer team played to a historic 1-1 draw against Rutgers-Camden  in New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) action on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex. This marks the first tie between the programs in their head-to-head history. The Gothic Knights now stand at 9-17-1 all-time against Rutgers-Camden, dating back to the programs' first meeting in 1999.

The Gothic Knights (8-5-2, 1-3-2 NJAC) controlled much of the action, outshooting the Scarlet Raptors (2-6-7, 1-3-2 NJAC) by an 11-6 margin, including a 4-3 advantage in shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Sophia Mannino (Burlington, N.J./Burlington Township) played the full 90 minutes between the posts, registering two saves—both coming in the first half. In addition to Mannino, four other Gothic Knights played the full match: Gulbin, seniors Arianna Chavez (Roselle Park, N.J./Academy for Allied Health Sciences) and Gabriella Sharpe (Bayonne, N.J./Bayonne), and sophomore Kyanah-Belle Jean-Louis (Montreal, Canada/Washington Township (N.J.)).

Freshman Aubrey Gulbin (Scotch Plains, N.J./Scotch Plains-Fanwood) continued her strong debut season, scoring her third goal of the year to equalize the match late in the second half. Senior Gineth Arias Martinez (Soacha Cundinamarca, Colombia/Institución Educativa Leon XII) was credited with her third assist of the season on the play.

The match's first breakthrough came in the 37th minute. Following a Rutgers-Camden corner kick, the ball bounced around the box before Kylie Barber connected with a diagonal strike that slipped into the lower left corner of the net. That would be the only goal of the half for either side.

NJCU's offensive efforts were thwarted early by Scarlet Raptors goalkeeper Giselle Lizardi, who made two key saves in the first half—both off strikes by senior Nyrohah Alvarenga (North Bergen, N.J./High Tech). Lizardi added a third and final save in the 60th minute, stopping a well-placed shot from Arias Martinez.

The Gothic Knights ramped up the pressure in the final minutes. In the 82nd minute, they earned back-to-back corner kicks. On the second attempt, Arias Martinez delivered a perfect cross into the box, where Gulbin rose above the defense to head the ball into the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1.

Rutgers-Camden nearly regained the lead just one minute later. In the 83rd minute, Brianne Reeves found space behind the NJCU backline but sent her shot high and wide, missing a prime opportunity to steal the win.

Sophomore Sarah Reyes (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) and freshman Isabella Ramirez (Elmwood Park, N.J./Elmwood Park Memorial) also recorded shots for NJCU, adding to a balanced offensive effort.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights return to action on Wednesday, Oct. 22, when they travel to face The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) in an NJAC matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Lions Stadium.

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