Schedule I Statistics

GLASSBORO, N.J. (October 14, 2017) – In a showdown between two nationally-ranked sides, billed as a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) "Clash of Titans", the Rutgers University-Newark and Rowan University men's soccer teams did not disappoint. The hosts prevailed in a physical, hard fought overtime contest that highlighted both teams' elite skill, 1-0.

The rivalry intensified last season when R-N took down then undefeated and third-ranked Rowan 3-1 on Alumni Field while this year, both teams were a spotless 6-0 in conference play headed into the match. 

NJAC Standings

The Profs win their ninth straight and improve to 14-2 (7-0 NJAC) while the Scarlet Raiders have a 14-game NJAC winning-streak snapped and fall to 15-2 (6-1 NJAC).

Both squads are ranked in the top-15 in two different polls as Rutgers-Newark checks in at sixth according to d3soccer.com and 10th in the United Soccer Coaches (USC) poll. Rowan is ranked 14th by d3soccer and sixth by USC.

D3soccer.com I United Soccer Coaches

The Scarlet Raiders lost in heart-breaking fashion, taking the hosts deep into the first overtime period before conceding the game-winning goal. Following an electrifying run through the midfield by sophomore Fabio De Sousa that ended in his left-footed strike sailing high, the Profs sought to counter quickly. After winning a 50-50 ball off a goal kick, Rowan junior Shane Doherty played a ball into the corner as sophomore Kevin Primich broke free down the right side and whipped in a low cross. Classmate Matt Hendrickson latched onto the end of the cross and tapped it into the open net with 2:47 on the clock.

The game was fast-paced and physical from the opening whistle as the teams racked up 18 fouls and two Profs cautions in the first half alone. Meanwhile, the attacking chances came early and often as each side took 11 shots while the hosts held a slight 7-6 edge in shots on target. The Scarlet Raiders went into the break with a 6-1 advantage in corners but the score remained 0-0.

The aggression continued in the second stanza as four more players received yellow cards but the scoring opportunities continued to present themselves. The hosts attempted 12 more shots to only three for the visitors but Rutgers-Newark trailed just 3-2 in shots on frame. In the overtime period, the Scarlet Raiders had one of two shot attempts saved and held a 2-0 edge in corners.

Both keepers had tremendous games with sophomore Andres Medina making 11 saves in defeat and junior Erik Checkur tallying 10 stops to earn the clean sheet.

This was Rutgers-Newark's first conference loss since September 16, 2016 as the team has recorded an incredible 14-1 mark in the NJAC while outscoring opponents 15-4 in conference play this campaign.

The Scarlet Raiders look to bounce back quickly when they head home Tuesday night for a non-conference matchup with Stevens at 7:30 p.m. on Alumni Field.