NEWARK, NJ – Richard Stockton netted the lone goal in the 86th minute to thwart an upset bid by Rutgers-Newark on the final night of the regular season in a New Jersey Athletic Conference match on Alumni Field.

BOX SCORE & PLAY-BY-PLAY

The Scarlet Raiders put up a strong effort on Senior Night as Liana Abreu, Stefani Uthman, Camelia Valentin and Danielle Griscom wore the Scarlet & Black for the last time.

Sophomore forward Jessica Balnis headed a crossing pass over a defender just outside the 18 and charged past her to strike the game-winning goal into the left side of the net with just 4:22 remaining in the defensive struggle.

Rookie goalkeeper Victoria Nunez made eight saves to keep the Scarlet Raiders (4-15-0, NJAC 0-8-0) in the fray while sophomore Cara Parliament and junior Brittany Boyle combined for seven saves while splitting halves for the Ospreys (11-5-4, NJAC 5-3-0).

Stockton held slim advantages in shots, 19-17, and corner kicks, 5-3, in the tight struggle.

Abreu put four shots on goal but could not get the one tally she need to tie the Rutgers-Newark single season goals record of 22.  The most decorated player in R-N women's soccer history finished the season with 21 goals and 45 points.  She caps her 4-year career with school records in points (119) and goals (51) while ranking second in assists (17).

The loss ended the year for Rutgers-Newark while Richard Stockton will host New Jersey City in the opening round of the NJAC Championship Tournament on Saturday at 2 p.m.