Penn (0-0-1) owned an 18-12 advantage in shots, but despite solid scoring opportunities for each program, neither side could bury the ball in the back of the net.

A year ago, the teams struggled to score as well, almost going the distance before the Statesmen snuck out a 1-0 win in double overtime.

Tyler Mather (Jr., Des Moines, Iowa Western CC) paced the home squad with four shots in his navy and gold debut, while fellow newcomers Nick Gorrie (Fr., Kilmarnock, Scotland, Grange Academy) and Mark Dryden (Fr., Arbroath, Scotland, Arbroath HS) had three shots each.

Penn also owned an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Defensively, Tadeo Cavazos (Sr., Baytown, Texas, Lee HS) had five saves to extend his school record for career shutouts to 15.

"Overall, it was a good home opener," Statesmen Head Coach Kevin Rushing said. "I feel pretty good about where we are at, but there is always room for improvement. The biggest thing we need to work on is capitalizing on our opportunities."

Next: Penn is right back at it on Saturday, hosting York at 3 p.m.