PATCHOGUE, NY – Junior forward Innocent Buule had two goals as Rutgers-Newark forged a 4-0 halftime edge on its way to a 5-3 non-conference men's soccer win over St. Joseph's NY. 

NCAA Box Score & Play-by-Play

The Scarlet Raiders (4-1-2) pushed the lead to 5-0 early in the second period after third-year head coach Kevin East had emptied his bench to start the second half. The Golden Eagles' three goals were the first surrendered by the Raider defense in four matches.

Senior forward Tyler Chiara netted the opening tally on an assist from Robert Campos before Buule put away back-to-back goals. Then junior midfielder Estiven Benitez scored what proved to be the game-winning goal and put Rutgers-Newark into a commanding lead in the 43rd minute on a feed from Richie Villamar.

Junior goalkeeper Matt Zielyk had an easy time blanking St. Joe's behind a defensive which allowed only one quality shot in the opening 45 minutes. Sophomore Matt Lindberg played the second half in the net.

Senior midfielder Marin Gjoca scored the Raider's second-half goal off of an assist by freshman Jervis Jervis Witherspoon less than six minutes into the period to push the lead to five. 

The Raiders

Rutgers-Newark opens its New Jersey Athletic Conference slate at home against Ramapo at 7 p.m. on Saturday on Alumni Field.