NEWARK, NJ – Rutgers-Newark battled Ramapo on even terms for a half before the Roadrunners posted a 2-0 New Jersey Athletic Conference win on Alumni Field.

BOX SCORE & PLAY-BY-PLAY

Freshman goalkeeper Kelsey Benoit made six saves for the Scarlet Raiders (1-7-1, NJAC 0-2-1) but the Roadrunners (4-3-0, NJAC 1-2-0) used a 19-8 advantage in shots to get the victory. 

Ramapo junior goalkeeper Talia Auslin (4-3-0) notched her second complete-match shutout with four second-half saves as the Roadrunners snapped a 2-match losing streak while the Raiders suffered their second consecutive loss in the league.

Freshman midfielder Jaimie Towey took a cross from the right side from junior forward Katie Popowych in right side of the box, pivoted around a defender and fired in what proved to be the game-winner in the 18th minute.  The goal proved to be the only fireworks in a defensive struggle in the opening half as Ramapo took just two shots to Rutgers-Newark's three.

Freshman midfielder Kristen Welch gave the Roadrunners an insurance goal just 4:09 into the second period.  Freshman midfielder Autumn Herring sent a through pass across the midfield to freshman forward Shea Bullen who raced down the left side to deliver a cross to the middle for Welch.

Juniors Renae McEvoy and Diana Catarino, sophomore forward Victoria Nunez and freshman midfielder Mercedes Lois forced  Auslin to make second-half saves, but the Raiders suffered their second straight shutout in NJAC play after starting league play with a 1-1 tie with Rutgers-Camden.

Rutgers-Newark travels to Montclair State on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. NJAC match before returning to Alumni field on September 29 to face The College of New Jersey.