Sternberger Lifts Rutgers Past Princeton
Sep 20 | Men's Soccer
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The Rutgers men's soccer team (3-5, 1-3 BIG EAST) won its second straight overtime match, a 1-0 decision over Princeton (3-2-2). Adam Sternberger (Mays Landing, N.J.) scored the game-winning goal, his first goal of the season, to give Rutgers the victory.
Rutgers dominated on offensive possessions, as the team out-shot its opponent for the third straight game. The Scarlet Knights held a 16-9 shot advantage over the Tigers, as well as 11-3 edge in corner kicks, but failed to put the ball in the net in regulation time.
Rutgers did have its share of scoring opportunities in both halves, however, including several close plays at the end of the second half. With just six minutes remaining, Adam Lloyd (Warwick, N.J.) had a good look at the goal but failed to get off a solid shot, and with just under three minutes remaining, Joey Sorrentino (Trenton, N.J.) fired a shot that went high. Chris Moore (Gosforth, England) led the team with three shots, while Sean Cameron (N. Brunswick, N.J.), Tomislav Barisic (Osijek, Croatia), and Sorrentino each had two.
Princeton's offense was quiet for most of the game. The team managed nine shots, and just five on goal. One of the Tigers' best scoring opportunities came when Jame Wunsch fired a shot with six minutes remaining that went high. The game headed into sudden-death as neither team could capitalize on its offensive opportunities.
In the 99th minute, Cameronfired a pass to Sternberger, who finally found the goal to give his team the win. It was Sternberger's first goal of the season after leading the Scarlet Knights with eight goals in 2005. It was also Cameron's first assist of the season.
Matt VanOekel (Chesapeake, Va.) got the start in goal for Rutgers and recorded the shutout, making five saves, while his Princeton counterpart Justin Oppenheimer made six saves.
While Rutgers head coach Bob Reasso would still like to see some more offense from his team, he was obviously pleased with the outcome game, and especially with the play of his defense.
"This game was a microcosm our season. Our approach play has been exceptional but our missing ingredient has been people stepping up and scoring goals," he said. "We need goals out of Sternberger and we're hoping this goal will get him going. Also, with the amount of goals we're scoring we need good defense, and so far they've done a fabulous job."
Rutgers is back in action on Sunday, Sept. 24, when the Scarlet Knights host BIG EAST opponent DePaul (2-6-2) at 2:00 p.m.
Soccer Game Summary (Final)
2006 Rutgers Men's Soccer
Rutgers v. Princeton (Sept. 20 at Piscataway, N.J.)
Rutgers (3-5, 1-3 BIG EAST) vs. Princeton (3-2-2)
Date: Sept. 20, 2006 Attendance: 473
Goals by Period: 1 2 OT Tot
Princeton 0 0 0 0
Rutgers 0 0 1 1
Scoring Summary:
Shots: RU - 16, Prin - 9.
Saves: RU - 5, Prin -6.
Time Team Goal Assist
98: 43 RU Sternberger, Adam (1) Cameron, Sean (1)
