BRONX, N.Y. (August 31, 2018) – The Rutgers University-Newark women's soccer team began its 2018 campaign at Lehman College this evening. The two sides battled to a 0-0 draw after 110 minutes of play to bring their records to 0-0-1.

Despite outshooting the Lightning 19-7, including 11-5 in shots on target, and taking 10 corner kicks to none for the hosts, the Scarlet Raiders were unable to find the back of the net.

Sophomore Ana Silveira led the Scarlet Raiders offense with six shots from her attacking midfield position while junior Heidi Paulson and sophomore Jasmin Erichsen combined for five saves and a clean sheet.

Rutgers-Newark returns to action on Sunday at SUNY Cortland with a 1 p.m. kickoff.

The visitors looked to have the upperhand in the first half, keeping possession for the better part of the period while threatening the Lightning's goal on multiple occasions. Still, a wet field made it more difficult for either side to truly take control of the match.

The Raiders were able to apply pressure in their opponents' half frequently by attacking down the wings, primarily through junior captain Deirdre Mackin on the left side. R-N produced some dangerous chances through crosses in open play and on corners but could not convert.

Rutgers-Newark continued to maintain its edge in possession and attacking chances early in the second stanza. The Scarlet Raiders earned back-to-back corners just five minutes into the period but could not muster a shot on goal as junior Samantha Richter's effort sailed high.

Richter and Silveira each forced saves from the Lehman keeper in the 61^st and 64^th minutes, respectively.

Another Silveira effort from long-range was tipped over the bar in the 68^th which led to another pair of corners but again the attacking chances went begging.

R-N launched one last flurry of attempts off the feet of rookie Brianna Rosania and Silveira during the final three minutes of regulation but the Lightning netminder was up to the task.

The Raiders two best chances in overtime both came during the second period. First, Mackin won a ball in Lehman's office and broke down the left wing. She angled into the box, beating the last defender, but her effort eventually clanged off the post.

The visitors' other strong opportunity came off of a corner when Mackin's in-swinger found the head of sophomore Iasia Goeloe. Unfortunately, her attempt went high and neither side mustered much in the closing minutes as the match ended in a scoreless draw.