Rutgers, UIC End in Scoreless Tie
Sep 08 | Men's Soccer
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The Rutgers University men's soccer team played to a scoreless tie against No. 24 University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Saturday evening at Yurcak field.
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Matt VanOekel makes a save. Photo by Tom Ciszek |
Senior Kyle Grato (Princeton Junction, N.J.) helped keep the pressure on UIC in the first half with a great attempt at goal in the 27th minute. Grato drilled a free kick that sailed pass a number of UIC defenders and into the box, however the shot struck the left post ending RU's chance to take a lead on the Flames.
"Even though there were no goals, I thought it was a good, competitive soccer match," said head coach Bob Reasso. "We had a good bit of the first half. I thought that first chance that Dilly took, if someone would have followed up, maybe we could have scored a goal right away."
The flames had a chance to end the game in regulation when Pavle Dundjer was awarded a penalty shot with only 52 second remaining. However, senior goalkeeper Matt VanOekel (Chesapeake, Va.) came up with an enormous diving save that ignited the crowd and his team as the Scarlet Knights carried the momentum into the overtime period.
"I think Matt [VanOekel] took major strides in the second half," said Reasso. "He was a dominant goalkeeper and that's what we want to see."
VanOekel recorded six saves for the Scarlet Knights, while Bubonja tallied five saves for UIC.
UIC recorded 11 shots for the game, all which came in the first two periods as the Rutgers defense held the Flames with out an attempt in both overtimes. The Rutgers offense took control in overtime, earning three corner kicks which resulted in three quality opportunities.
Despite the solid play to close out the game, the Scarlet Knights were unable to capitalize on their late chances and the game ended in a 0-0 tie.
"Overall I'm pleased," Reasso added. "When you think about it, we had five [newcomers] out there in the end of an overtime game. That's a lot of young kids and I thought they did a great job."
Rutgers will be back in action Tuesday, Sept. 11 when the Scarlet Knights host the Fightin' Blue Hens of Delaware at 7:00 p.m.
