NEWARK, N.J. – The Rutgers University–Newark men's soccer team opened its 2025 season on Friday night at Frederick Douglass Field, falling 2–1 to the University of Redlands.
Redlands struck first in the 25th minute when Anders Beckton put the Bulldogs ahead, capitalizing just moments after Rutgers–Newark was shown a yellow card. The Scarlet Raiders answered before halftime as Erick Cortes found the back of the net following up on his penalty kick in the 44th minute to even the match at 1–1, giving the home side momentum going into the break.
The second half remained tightly contested until the 75th minute, when Beckton delivered his second goal of the night, this time assisted by Zachary Darmanyan, to restore the Redlands lead. Rutgers–Newark pushed for an equalizer and earned late opportunities, including a chance from Cortez in the 87th minute that sailed wide, but could not break through.
Cortes finished with both of Rutgers–Newark's shots on the night, converting one for the lone goal. Pedro Flores played the full 90 minutes in goal, facing eight shots from Redlands. Defensively, the Scarlet Raiders held their shape against steady pressure, but Beckton's brace proved decisive.
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