WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. — The Rutgers-Newark men's soccer team dropped a 2-0 decision to Monmouth University Tuesday night at Hesse Field on The Great Lawn.
The Scarlet Raiders (3-1-3) battled the Hawks throughout the opening half, with Daniel Velazquez putting Rutgers-Newark's first shot on target in the 16th minute. Monmouth goalkeeper Herman Seierstad Johnsen made the save to keep the match scoreless.
Monmouth broke through in the 22nd minute when Raul Garcia found the back of the net off an assist from Rokas Jarusevicius, giving the Hawks a 1-0 advantage.
Rutgers-Newark goalkeeper Ilan Golden recorded one save before Ben Nakahara entered in the 32nd minute. Nakahara finished the opening half with one save and kept the Scarlet Raiders within one heading into halftime.
Rutgers-Newark created a pair of opportunities early in the second half, with Augusto Vieira and Ethan Geronimo both putting shots on target in the 62nd minute. Seierstad Johnsen turned both attempts away.
Monmouth doubled its lead in the 63rd minute when Javier Losa Moya scored his second goal of the season.
The Scarlet Raiders continued to pressure the Hawks, but Monmouth's defense and Seierstad Johnsen kept Rutgers-Newark off the scoreboard. Bryan Valdes recorded a shot on target in the 69th minute that was saved, while Seierstad Johnsen finished with four saves to preserve the shutout.
Rutgers-Newark finished with six shots, including four on target, while Monmouth registered 19 shots with nine on goal. The Hawks also held a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks.
Nakahara finished with four saves in 41:46 of action, while Samuel Rios added two saves in the final 16:33.
The Scarlet Raiders return to action Saturday, September 26, hosting Oneonta.
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