ELON, N.C. – The Rutgers men's soccer team improved to 3-0 for the first time since 1996 in a 1-0 victory over the Phoenix on Saturday night at Rudd Field.
 

MATCH SUMMARY

• An own goal proved to be the difference in the game as the Phoenix knocked the ball into their net in the 72^nd minute.
• Rutgers opened the game wasting no time in badgering the Elon goal with Randy Arronis registering the first shot of the night 22 seconds into the match and Rutgers holding a 6-0 advantage in attempts by the 23^rd minute.
• The Phoenix closed out the opening half with a trio of shots, but did not fire off its first attempt until midway through the first half.
• Elon had several chances for an equalizer in the game's final four minutes including a shot by Inigo Bronte, which went over the crossbar with 49 seconds left in the match.
• Goalkeeper Oren Asher collected his second clean sheet of the season with a late first half save off a Kasper Lehm free kick and making two critical stops with under four minutes remaining.

KEY STATS

• Rutgers outshot Elon 10-8 with seven different Scarlet Knights registering an attempt.
• Two Scarlet Knights had multiple attempts led by Jackson Temple's three shots.
• Oren Asher posted three saves, while his counterpart Pete Wentzel made five stops.
• The Phoenix held a 5-3 edge in corner kicks.

KNIGHT NOTES

• Rutgers has put together three-straight road wins for the first time since 2015.
• Valentino Ambrosio made his first career start.
• Pablo Ávila made his first career appearance.
• Oren Asher currently holds a 0.33 goals against average and 91 percent save percentage.

MATCH QUOTES

"I think from the start our guys played really well. It was probably the best start to a game we've had all year. We created a bunch of chances in the first half and we were unlucky not to have scored a goal. Second half, I thought we played well at times. After we got the goal, we tightened up a bit, but our guys were out there fighting to keep a clean sheet. Elon starting getting really direct, forced us to battle and win a lot of headers and Oren (Asher) made a great save for us at the end. I'm happy how the guys have learned how to compete and win these type of games." - head coach Jim McElderry
 

UP NEXT

Rutgers makes its 2019 Yurcak Field debut hosting Binghamton on Tuesday, Sept. 10 and welcomes Manhattan on Saturday, Sept. 14. Both games kickoff at 7 p.m. and admission is free. Parking is free with registration.

Follow Rutgers men's soccer on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.