Men's Soccer Battles UMKC To 0-0 Draw

Sunday, September 3

Kansas City, Mo.

2:00 PM

Rutgers University

1-2-1

UMKC

2-0-1

Rutgers

UMKC

Photo by: Suzie Wolf

Sep 03 | Men's Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

Junior Rafael Pereira Picks Up First Scarlet Knight Shutout; RU Denied Two Great Chances Late in Regulation

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With less than two days rest in between games, the Rutgers men's soccer team closed out its season opening road swing battling to a 0-0 draw with UMKC on Sunday afternoon at a hot and humid Durwood Soccer Stadium.

Rutgers moved to 1-2-1 on the season going 1-0-1 on its Midwest nonconference weekend, which also included a win on the road at Oral Roberts on Friday night. UMKC, who had a week in-between contests, moved to 2-0-1 overall.

"For our guys to play a tough game Friday night and then come out here with a short turnaround on a hot turf, I felt that we outplayed them and should've won the match," said head coach Dan Donigan. "In past times, we were going to walk away with a tough loss on the road. Our guys gave a tremendous effort this whole weekend and in particular today, with the conditions being difficult, having a short turnaround, having a team that didn't have to play on Friday and then it being so hot. I'm proud of the fight and the battle our guys showed today."

Junior goalkeeper Rafael Pereira made five stops enroute to his first Scarlet Knight shutout. The Lisbon, Portugal native came up big at the midway point of the first overtime in denying a penalty kick by reigning WAC Player of the Week Eric McWoods.

McWoods ended the game leading the Roos with six shots.

"UMKC had a guy up top (Erik McWoods) who was very fast, physical and tough," mentioned Donigan. "They had some chances where they could've taken the game from us, but I think our guys in the backline did a tremendous job, in particular Bryce Washington and Ryan Peterson."

The Scarlet Knights had a couple of late chances in regulation to break the scoreless draw.

Redshirt senior forward Ethan Vanacore-Decker's penalty kick was thwarted by UMKC keeper Errico Flippo with a dive to his right in the 84^th minute.

Then in the final minute of regulation Erik Sa sent a free kick into the box. Vincent Borden used a header to direct the ball to Kyle Galloway at the near post. Galloway's shot unfortunately hit the cross bar with the ball bouncing back into play.

Rutgers ended the game outshooting UMKC, 16-5 with the Roos holding an 8-6 advantage in corner kicks. Vanacore-Decker led RU with four attempts, including two chances on goal.

"I like the culture of this group. It's a never say die attitude and today was a perfect example. It really showed. Going into overtime, they were fired up and felt they could win the game. We're very unfortunate to not have gotten the three points.

"Now it's time to come back home, recover and get ready for Michigan State."

The Rutgers men's soccer team returns home to Yurack Field welcoming No. 13 Michigan State in its season and Big Ten opener on Friday, Sept. 8. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. with a live stream available on BTN Plus. Fans can pick up 2017 schedule posters and receive free admission to the match by showing their Rutgers football vs. Washington ticket stub.

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.

-RU-