EWING, NJ – Senior midfielder Gabriel Avans netted the lone goal as Rutgers-Newark shut out The College of New Jersey for a crucial New Jersey Athletic Conference win in TCNJ's Soccer Complex.

BOX SCORE & PLAY-BY-PLAY

In the tightly-contested battle, it was Avans' third goal of the season and five saves by freshman goalkeeper Matt Broomall which spelled the difference and snapped a 3-match NJAC losing streak for the Raiders (6-5-0, NJAC 2-3-0).  The Lions (4-8-0, NJAC 1-4-0) suffered their third straight loss in the 10-team league.

Sophomore midfielder Ardian Djeka sent a through pass between a pair of TCNJ defenders from 30 yards out to Avans who was streaking toward the goal.  Avans sent the shot off the outside of his left foot into the net just 6:39 into the match.

The closeness of the match was reflected in the slim 14-13 shot advantage for the Raiders against the 7-5 edge in corner kicks by the Lions.

Broomall registered his fifth shutout of the season thanks to a second-half play by junior defender Jason Chung.  In the 76th minute, Chung knifed in front of a goal-bound shot from six yards out by freshman Greg Perri to preserve the lead.

Broomall stopped a shot by Kevin Shaw a minute later as the Raider defense stiffened to allow just one more Lion attempt in the final 13 minutes.

Avans would have had two goals if not for a save by sophomore defender Steve Cukar in the 53rd minute.  Lion freshman goalkeeper Maciej Libucha made six of his eight saves in the second half.

The win was important for the Raiders who now will start a string of three non-conference matches before reentering NJAC play on October 10 at New Jersey City.  TCNJ slipped into sole possession of last place in the league while the Raiders keep within striking range of one of six NJAC Championship playoff berths with four conference matches left on the slate.

Rutgers-Newark visits Medgar Evers on Monday for a 7 p.m. match before hosting FDU-Florham Wednesday night at 7:30 on Alumni Field.