Guzman, Sa, Vanacore-Decker Named To B1G Preseason Honors List
Aug 16 | Men's Soccer
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Seniors Niel Guzman, Erik Sa and Ethan Vanacore-Decker were named to the Big Ten Men's Soccer Preseason Honors List, it was announced by the conference office on Wednesday.
Guzman is RU's second returning leading scorer after capturing a trio of goals and pair of assists in addition to helping the Scarlet Knights to a shutout against No. 4 Indiana last season. He recorded four points (1G, 2A) against No. 15 Florida Gulf Coast, including one of four unanswered goals the Scarlet Knights used to overcome a 5-0 deficit. He later had an assist on a late goal to pull RU to within one, 6-5, against the Eagles. The Bridgewater, New Jersey native also scored the equalizer moments into the second half against Michigan in the eventual 1-1 double overtime draw. Entering his fourth season "On the Banks," Guzman has appeared in 51 contests with 45 starts. He has earned 12 points (4G, 4A).
Sa returns to the pitch after missing the 2016 season with an injury. As a junior in 2015, Sa helped the Scarlet Knights to the second round of the NCAA Tournament behind two goals and five assists. During the 2015 campaign, the Watchung, New Jersey product had a pair of assists in a 4-2 win over Siena and 5-2 victory against Yale. Additionally, Sa added in a goal in the 4-1 victory over No. 22 Indiana, as well as, a goal and an assist in an 8-0 route of Loyola. In his time at Rutgers, Sa has appeared in 60 games, with 59 starts, and recorded 19 points (5G, 9A).
Vanacore-Decker suits up for the Scarlet Knights this season after a year on the sidelines following transfers from Connecticut and Louisville. The Manahawkin, New Jersey native was the Huskies' second-leading scorer in 2014, putting away six goals, including two game-winners, as a sophomore. Among his game-winners was the tally to secure the 2014 American Athletic Conference regular season title for Connecticut. That season, Vanacore-Decker ranked sixth in the AAC in goals and his 0.32 goals per game and 15 points were seventh-best in the conference. As a freshman, he was named an AAC Rookie of the Week after scoring his first collegiate goal on a game-winning free kick against No. 10 Saint Louis.
After opening exhibition play with a 1-0 win over No. 24 Connecticut over the weekend, the Rutgers men's soccer team closes out preseason play on Wednesday night at Monmouth. The Scarlet Knights open the 2017 season with their first four games on the road beginning with No. 2 Wake Forest on Friday, Aug. 25 and No. 4 UNC in Chapel Hill on Sunday, Aug. 27.
Season and single game tickets are now available by calling 1-866-445-GORU (4678) or by clicking here.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersMensSoccer) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/RUMensSoccer) for all of the latest news and updates. Fans also receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on both social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.
Guzman is RU's second returning leading scorer after capturing a trio of goals and pair of assists in addition to helping the Scarlet Knights to a shutout against No. 4 Indiana last season. He recorded four points (1G, 2A) against No. 15 Florida Gulf Coast, including one of four unanswered goals the Scarlet Knights used to overcome a 5-0 deficit. He later had an assist on a late goal to pull RU to within one, 6-5, against the Eagles. The Bridgewater, New Jersey native also scored the equalizer moments into the second half against Michigan in the eventual 1-1 double overtime draw. Entering his fourth season "On the Banks," Guzman has appeared in 51 contests with 45 starts. He has earned 12 points (4G, 4A).
Sa returns to the pitch after missing the 2016 season with an injury. As a junior in 2015, Sa helped the Scarlet Knights to the second round of the NCAA Tournament behind two goals and five assists. During the 2015 campaign, the Watchung, New Jersey product had a pair of assists in a 4-2 win over Siena and 5-2 victory against Yale. Additionally, Sa added in a goal in the 4-1 victory over No. 22 Indiana, as well as, a goal and an assist in an 8-0 route of Loyola. In his time at Rutgers, Sa has appeared in 60 games, with 59 starts, and recorded 19 points (5G, 9A).
Vanacore-Decker suits up for the Scarlet Knights this season after a year on the sidelines following transfers from Connecticut and Louisville. The Manahawkin, New Jersey native was the Huskies' second-leading scorer in 2014, putting away six goals, including two game-winners, as a sophomore. Among his game-winners was the tally to secure the 2014 American Athletic Conference regular season title for Connecticut. That season, Vanacore-Decker ranked sixth in the AAC in goals and his 0.32 goals per game and 15 points were seventh-best in the conference. As a freshman, he was named an AAC Rookie of the Week after scoring his first collegiate goal on a game-winning free kick against No. 10 Saint Louis.
After opening exhibition play with a 1-0 win over No. 24 Connecticut over the weekend, the Rutgers men's soccer team closes out preseason play on Wednesday night at Monmouth. The Scarlet Knights open the 2017 season with their first four games on the road beginning with No. 2 Wake Forest on Friday, Aug. 25 and No. 4 UNC in Chapel Hill on Sunday, Aug. 27.
Season and single game tickets are now available by calling 1-866-445-GORU (4678) or by clicking here.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersMensSoccer) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/RUMensSoccer) for all of the latest news and updates. Fans also receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on both social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.
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