Northwestern University Athletics
Friday, October 17
University Park, Pa.
6 p.m. CT
Northwestern
2
at
2
Penn State
Photo by: Penn State Athletics
Northwestern, Penn State Battle To 2-2 Draw
10/17/2025 8:52:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Tarleton, Van Deventer net goals for the ‘Cats
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (October 17, 2025) – Baraka Tarleton and Jayvin Van Deventer both netted their first goals of 2025, as Northwestern and Penn State (5-5-3, 1-3-2 B1G) played to a chaotic 2-2 draw this evening at Jeffrey Field in University Park, Pa. Tonight's result sees the Wildcats move to 6-4-3 overall and 1-3-2 in Big Ten Conference play.
How It Happened
Following an opening 45 minutes in which both teams struggled to create quality scoring opportunities, the second half featured end-to-end action, with the two sides combining for 20 shots.
Joe Suchecki nearly gave Northwestern a dream start coming out of the intermission, directing Alejandro Martinez Santamaria's feed narrowly wide in the 47th minute. Martinez Santamaria went on the attack as the half wore on, forcing a pair of saves out of Penn State goalkeeper Jonathan Evans.
Northwestern cashed in for the night's opening goal off a set piece just past the hour mark. Following a Suchecki corner kick towards the back post, Bryant Mayer headed back across the face of goal and into the path of Tarleton, who turned his effort past a diving Evans to give Northwestern a 1-0 edge.
After seeing Penn State pull level through a 71st-minute goal from Ben Madore, Northwestern pushed forward as it looked to net a late winner. With time ticking down, Van Deventer worked his way into space near the top of the box and unleashed a right-footed strike that bested Evans at his far post to put the 'Cats back on top, 2-1, in the 86th minute. Penn State would have the final say on the night though, as Malick Daouda rifled home in the final minute to salvage a draw for the hosts.
Looking At The Numbers
- Tarleton tallied his first goal as a Wildcat to open the scoring, while Van Deventer put up his third collegiate goal.
- Nine different Wildcats have scored goals this season.
- Northwestern is now 13-0-2 (.933) across its last 15 contests when scoring first.
- Suchecki picked up his third assist of the year to solidify his hold on Northwestern's overall points lead.
- Fresh off a seven-assist season in 2024, Mayer notched his first helper of 2025 this evening.
- Rafael Ponce de León was credited with five saves in goal, his third outing this season with five-plus stops.
Up Next
Northwestern visits Ann Arbor, Mich. on Friday, October 24, where it will battle No. 16 Michigan in a 6 p.m. CT matchup at the U-M Soccer Stadium.
How It Happened
Following an opening 45 minutes in which both teams struggled to create quality scoring opportunities, the second half featured end-to-end action, with the two sides combining for 20 shots.
Joe Suchecki nearly gave Northwestern a dream start coming out of the intermission, directing Alejandro Martinez Santamaria's feed narrowly wide in the 47th minute. Martinez Santamaria went on the attack as the half wore on, forcing a pair of saves out of Penn State goalkeeper Jonathan Evans.
Northwestern cashed in for the night's opening goal off a set piece just past the hour mark. Following a Suchecki corner kick towards the back post, Bryant Mayer headed back across the face of goal and into the path of Tarleton, who turned his effort past a diving Evans to give Northwestern a 1-0 edge.
After seeing Penn State pull level through a 71st-minute goal from Ben Madore, Northwestern pushed forward as it looked to net a late winner. With time ticking down, Van Deventer worked his way into space near the top of the box and unleashed a right-footed strike that bested Evans at his far post to put the 'Cats back on top, 2-1, in the 86th minute. Penn State would have the final say on the night though, as Malick Daouda rifled home in the final minute to salvage a draw for the hosts.
Looking At The Numbers
- Tarleton tallied his first goal as a Wildcat to open the scoring, while Van Deventer put up his third collegiate goal.
- Nine different Wildcats have scored goals this season.
- Northwestern is now 13-0-2 (.933) across its last 15 contests when scoring first.
- Suchecki picked up his third assist of the year to solidify his hold on Northwestern's overall points lead.
- Fresh off a seven-assist season in 2024, Mayer notched his first helper of 2025 this evening.
- Rafael Ponce de León was credited with five saves in goal, his third outing this season with five-plus stops.
Up Next
Northwestern visits Ann Arbor, Mich. on Friday, October 24, where it will battle No. 16 Michigan in a 6 p.m. CT matchup at the U-M Soccer Stadium.
Players Mentioned
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