PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men's soccer (4-0-1) conceded its first goals of the 2021 season, but were not deterred from staying unbeaten in a come-from-behind, 3-2 victory over Lehigh (0-4-0) on a freaky Friday evening at Yurcak Field.
 
Vincent Borden scored the game-winning goal in the 81^st minute off a header from near the top of the 18-yard box, finishing a deep service from captain Thomas DeVizio. Twelve minutes earlier, DeVizio's serve helped tie the game at 2-2 in the 69^th minute when Ritchie Barry challenged the ball near the 6-yard box, where it was redirected straight into the Mountain Hawk net.
 
Rutgers had a 1-0 lead at halftime thanks to a sneaky Pablo Avila goal in the 40th minute, his second in as many matches for the Scarlet Knights, which was shot from about 40 yards out before curving into the right-side netting to the surprise of much of the Lehigh backline.
 

Borden's goal is the difference for the Scarlet Knights.⚽@RUMensSoccer remains unbeaten with a 3-2 win over Lehigh. pic.twitter.com/NqEDHPr4kd

— Rutgers On BTN (@RutgersOnBTN) September 11, 2021

The Mountain Hawks, winless heading into Friday, responded with pressure as a free kick was headed twice in front of net and ricocheted into net in the 49^th minute, marking the end of Rutgers and Oren Asher's scoreless streak to start the season. Lehigh then went ahead 2-1 in the 64^th when a dangerous cross was deflected by the Scarlet Knight defense into the net.
 
"I knew the second half was going to be tough," said head coach Jim McElderry. "Dean Koski does a great job coaching Lehigh, so I knew they were going to get after us. Their first goal was a good one, but we were lax on the second goal, which was disappointing. I'm proud of the group for refocusing, pushing, and continuing to play the right way, which got us the result tonight."
 
DeVizio, who manufactured the second-half comeback with perfectly placed, lofted balls into dangerous areas, picked up two assists in a single game for the first time in his career, giving him seven total helpers "On the Banks" in his 43^rd collegiate match.
 
Avila, who now leads the 2021 Scarlet Knights with two goals scored, tallies career goal No. 8, while Barry buried his 18^th collegiate goal (first this year, fifth at Rutgers). Borden, the dynamic defender, again showed off his presence up front with his fourth career goal.
 
The victory disrupted a three-match winning streak for Lehigh in the head-to-head series, which now pulls even at 20-20-3 since 1940. RU gets a win over the Mountain Hawks for the first time since 2006 in Piscataway after Lehigh won in Bethlehem in 2007, 2010, and 2019.
 
The Scarlet Knights outshot Lehigh, 22-7, held the 10-1 edge on shots on goal, and took nine corners to Lehigh's two.
 
Rutgers hosts Saint Joseph's on Monday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. at Yurcak Field on Big Ten+ before Big Ten plays begins on Friday, Sept. 17 at defending Big Ten champ and NCAA Championship runner-up Indiana.
 
 
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