NEWARK, NJ – Rutgers-Newark rode an early goal and smothering defense to a 1-0 win over Merchant Marine in a battle of regionally-ranked teams on Alumni Field.

BOX SCORE & PLAY-BY-PLAY

Freshman forward Diego Moraes hammered home a crossing pass from sophomore forward Daniel Naranjo just 17:40 into the contest, then the Scarlet Raiders staved off a strong Mariner attack for the win in the Soccer Fest 2011 nightcap.  It was the first career goal for Moraes.

Junior goalkeeper Jonathan Frances made three of his four saves in the second half for his second shutout in three matches this season as the Raiders (3-0), ranked fourth in the NCSAA's South Atlantic Regional Poll released on Tuesday, upended the Mariners (2-1-0), who are rated fifth I the North Atlantic in the coaches poll.

The Raiders held a slim 15-14 edge in shots while Merchant Marine controlled corner kicks, 6-2.

Junior goalkeeper Garrett Reinert kept the Mariners in the fray by making several spectacular stops among his seven saves.

But defenders Conor Johnston, Jason Chung, Robi Rosario and Bryan Boyer paced a strong defensive effort while Nick Kyprianou and Mike Trenard battled a physical Mariner team to a standoff at midfield.

Rutgers-Newark hosts the Scarlet Raider Soccer Classic this weekend with the four-team men's bracket beginning play on Saturday. Drew takes on Carthage in the 11 a.m. opener on Alumni Field before the Raider battle Western Connecticut at 2 p.m.