SWARTHMORE, Pa. – The Rutgers University–Newark men's soccer team opened its 2026 season Friday night, playing Kalamazoo College to a 1-1 draw at Clothier Field.
The Scarlet Raiders took a 1-0 lead late in the first half when freshman Zahra-Deen Amadou scored his first collegiate goal in the 37th minute. Amadou beat the defense to a loose ball and went one-on-one with the Kalamazoo goalkeeper before finding the back of the net.
Rutgers-Newark took the one-goal advantage into halftime after holding Kalamazoo to just two shots during the opening 45 minutes. The Scarlet Raiders registered four first-half shots, including two on goal.
Kalamazoo answered early in the second half, tying the match at 1-1 in the 52nd minute. The Scarlet Raiders continued to battle throughout the remainder of the match, but neither team was able to find a game-winning goal.
Erick Cortes led Rutgers-Newark with three shots and two shots on goal, while Ali Celik and Bryan Valdes each added one shot. Amadou finished with one shot, which resulted in the lone Scarlet Raider goal.
In goal, David Bejarano played all 90 minutes and made three saves. Rutgers-Newark finished the match with seven shots, three on goal and four corner kicks. Kalamazoo held a 10-7 advantage in shots and recorded three corner kicks.
The Scarlet Raiders return home Sunday, September 6, for their Frederick Douglass Field debut against Penn State Abington. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
For the latest news, updates, and information on Rutgers-Newark Athletics, visit rutgersnewarkathletics.com. Fans can also stay up to date by following the Scarlet Raiders on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
