EWING, NJ | Rutgers-Newark men's soccer (7-5-4) built up a commanding 3-0 lead, but TCNJ (1-10-5) fought back to earn a point at home. Final score: 3-3.
Lots of fouls were flying from the get go, and the goals came soon enough. Erick Cortes opened the scoring in the 16th minute when the Scarlet Raiders earned a penalty. The soaring striker, on an impressive goalscoring run coming into the game, added to his season tally to put the visitors ahead.
In the 33rd minute, it was like déjà vu - once again Rutgers-Newark were awarded an opportunity from the penalty spot. Who else would step up but Cortes, who once again buried the ball in the back of the net to double both his team's lead and his own goal count for the day.
TCNJ was stifled. They managed one shot and one corner kick in the rest of the half, but that was all. At the break, the score stood firmly at 2-0.
The Scarlet Raiders made sure to bring the heat coming out of halftime. Less than a minute into the second 45, Ian Brown found the in-form striker in Cortes who hammered home to complete his hat trick. The sophomore scored five goals this week alone, catapulting him right to the top of the NJAC goalscoring list.
It seemed as though TCNJ might be down and out, but this was not the case. In minute 60, they won a penalty of their own. Julien Carraha's initial attempt was saved brilliantly by Pedro Flores, but he was able to put it away on the second attempt. Suddenly, the Lions had a path into this game.
Then, in the 74th minute, the hosts found a second goal. Pablo Argueta scored his second of the season to bring TCNJ within one. Suddenly, the Lions were as alive as ever - and they were hunting for an equalizer.
And they wouldn't have to wait that long to get one. Six minutes after their second, Matias Hornos scored to level the game. A seemingly insurmountable 3-0 lead for the Scarlet Raiders had indeed been surmounted.
TCNJ had all the momentum for the rest of the game, continuing to test their opposition's defense. The Scarlet Raiders held up, securing the important away point, but in the end they likely came away feeling as though they could've had all three.
Men's soccer's next game will be this Wednesday, October 23rd at 7:00 pm. They will host Stockton on Frederick Douglass Field for their Senior Night game.
For the latest news, updates, and information on Rutgers-Newark sports, visit rutgersnewarkathletics.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Scarlet Raiders news by following Rutgers-Newark Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
