PRINCETON, N.J. – Rutgers women's soccer fought to a 1-1 draw against in-state rival Princeton on Friday night at Roberts Stadium. After falling behind with just over 15 minutes remaining, the Scarlet Knights (2-0-1) were able to respond with an equalizer to earn the tie against the Tigers (0-0-1).

While RU maintained possession early in the evening, Princeton would take control of the match and create the majority of chances in the first 45 minutes. The Tigers got off 10 shots in the first half, forcing goalkeeper Olivia Bodmer to make four saves. 

In the second half, the Scarlet Knights began to ask questions of the Princeton defense, with Emma Johns having a pair of opportunities but putting them just off frame. 

In the 66th minute, a foul in the box gave the Tigers a penalty kick with a chance to take the lead. Bodmer was up to the task, however, going to her right to stop the shot and keep the game deadlocked. 

Less than 10 minutes later, Princeton was given a corner kick and after a scramble in the box, the ball found the feet of a Tiger player who slotted it home to make it 1-0 in favor of the hosts. 

The Scarlet Knights responded, however, creating immediate pressure. On an ensuing fast break, a great combination play from Johns and Ashley Baran led to Johns being taken down in the box and a penalty awarded to RU. True freshman Kennedi Cotter stepped up and calmly slotted it to the bottom right corner to even the score. 

With the game tied and less than 15 minutes on the clock, both teams searched for a winner, but neither could find a decisive goal and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. 

Rutgers returns home for its next match on Sunday against Air Force, with kickoff set for 2 p.m. at Yurcak Field. 

Notes

• Kennedi Cotter scored her first career goal 
• Olivia Bodmer made eight saves, one shy of her career high of nine
• Rutgers has started multiple true freshmen in all three matches this season
• Lindsey Hailey has played all 90 minutes for all three matches this season 

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