Rutgers Hosts Cleveland State in Effort to Reach .500
Oct 02 | Men's Soccer
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The Rutgers men's soccer team (5-6, 3-4 BIG EAST) has a chance to reach .500 for the first time this season when it hosts Cleveland State (4-6-1) on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 8:00 p.m. Rutgers is coming off a 1-0 shutout of No. 16 South Florida on Sept. 30.
Rutgers played a solid game against South Florida. Michael Crowley (Newark, De.) helped RU get out to an early lead over the Bulls when he fired a pass from Kevin O'Connor (Freehold, N.J.) into the lower left corner of the net past USF goalie Dane Brenner. It was Crowley's first goal of the season and O'Connor's first assist for the Scarlet Knights. RU goalie Matt VanOekel (Chesapeake, Va.) and the rest of the Scarlet Knights' defense made sure the 1-0 lead held. VanOekel recorded the shutout, his third of the season, finishing the game with a season-high seven saves.
The win improved RU's BIG EAST record to 3-4, and the team currently sits in fourth place in the conference's Red Division. Rutgers head coach Bob Reasso knew the importance of the win over BIG EAST opponent South Florida and was happy with how his players responded to their loss at Villanova earlier in the week.
"USF is a good team and to beat them on their ground was just what we needed after Wednesday's loss (to Villanova)," said Reasso. "I couldn't be prouder of the guys."
Reasso and his team now look ahead to Cleveland State.
"It's a quick turnaround to play Cleveland State tomorrow (Tuesday) night," he said. "They're a tough opponent, but every game is vital for us."
Tuesday's match will mark the first meeting between the teams. The Vikings come into the match having won a 1-0 decision over Butler on Sept. 30. David Stewart leads the team in goals with four, while teammate Andrew Gutting has a team-high six assists.
Following the game against Cleveland State, the Scarlet Knights will host BIG EAST opponent St. John's on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 7:00 p.m. at Yurcak Field.
