PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Rutgers men's soccer team edged No. 24 Connecticut its first exhibition contest of the 2017 season on Sunday at Yurcak Field.

Returning leading scorer Dante Perez put away the lone goal of the game in the 77^th minute off a cross to left post from redshirt junior Miles Hackett.

"We had a turnover and their right back was far up, so I just took off knowing Miles and how fast he is," said Perez of his goal.

Goalkeeper Rafael Pereira stopped four of the Huskies' six first-half shots, including preventing UConn's returning leader scorer and First Team All-American Athletic Conference pick, Abdou Mbacke Thiam, from converting a PK in the 20^th minute.  

Redshirt sophomore Joe Bruno, who took over duties in goal in the second half for the Scarlet Knights, made a save early in the half to keep the Huskies scoreless.

Redshirt senior Ethan Vanacore-Decker, one of 10 new faces to take the pitch in the exhibition, led RU with four shots.

"Overall, it's another step in the right direction for us, getting the result," said head coach Dan Donigan. "It's not as much about the result though as it is about working on the things we have been defensively. Although we gave up some opportunities Rafael (Pereira) made some great saves. Overall, I'm happy with today's performance, but we're only a few days into the preseason and still have some things that need to be cleaned up."

"The culture has changed with this team," added Perez. "Everyone is tuned in, everyone is working hard. This is a great squad and I'm confident we're going to have a great season."

The Rutgers men's soccer team closes out preseason action at Monmouth on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m.

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