PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Rutgers men's soccer team (6-3-5, 2-2-2) recorded its first win over Big Ten rival Michigan (4-8-3, 1-5-1) since 2015 on Friday night, defeating the Wolverines 2-1. MD Myers and Ian Abbey both found the back of the net to lead the charge for the Scarlet Knights.
"We've played really well in a bunch of games this year and tied them or got nothing out of it," said head coach Jim McElderry, "but the players just wanted to do anything they could to get a win tonight and I am really proud of their effort and commitment."
After a slow start to the contest, Myers sparked RU's offense in the 15th minute of play with his nation-leading 13th goal of the season to put his team ahead, 1-0.
Michigan answered shortly after thought, scoring the equalizer in the 18th minute. The two teams would go into the halftime tied, 1-all.
Less than 10 minutes into the second half in the 54th minute, Ian Abbey scored the ultimate game-winning goal to put Rutgers up, 2-0.
Goals
15' (RU) MD Myers (13) – Thomas DeVizio
18' (UM) Nicholas Kaloukian – Brennan Callow, Declan Gaffney
54' (RU) Ian Abbey (2)– Cole Cruthers and Jason Bouregy
Game Notes
- Myers' goal marks his 13th of the season, making him the only player in the Big Ten with double-digit scores. With 30 points, he is also the only player in the conference with more than 20 points.
- Through 15 games this campaign, Myers has scored in 10 contests, including the last six. He has also recorded points in 11 of 15 outings.
- Myers becomes the first Scarlet Knights to reach the 30-point milestone in a single season since Jordan Hall ended the 2018 season with 30 points. His 13 goals are timed for 13th all-time while his 30 points is tied for 17th in a single season.
- Abbey's goal marks the second of his career as he also scored in the team's season opener against Omaha (Aug. 25).
- Jason Bouregy earned his sixth assist of the season to tie Jackson Temple for the most on the team.
- Thomas DeVizio also ecorded his second assist of the fall on MD Myers' goal, bringing him up to five points on the campaign. Cole Cruthers secured his fourth helper against UM.
- Freshman goalkeeper Ciaran Dalton continues to shine in net, making three saves Friday night. He paces the team with 30 saves on 108 shots faced and five wins.
- With 35 goals and 220 shots, RU tops the Big Ten in both categories.
- With 105 total points through 15 games, this season marks the first time RU has reached 100+ points since 2015, when the team ended with 123.
- Through 15 games, the Scarlet Knights have seen 11 unique goal scorers on 35 goals for 105 points. Myers (13), Temple (5), Avila (4), Bouregy (3), Maeland (2), Le Guennec (2) and Abbey (2) all have multiple goals.
- 18 Scarlet Knights saw the pitch on Friday night. Goalkeeper Ciaran Dalton in addition to Joey Zalinsky, Hugo Le Guennec, DeVizio, Cole Cruthers and Matthew Acosta played the entire 90 minutes.
- The 2-1 victory marks the Scarlet Knights' first over the Wolverines since 2015, snapping a seven year down stretch. The win also signifies the third in program history for RU over Michigan.
Looking Ahead
Rutgers will get back on the road to face Penn State on Tuesday, Oct. 25. The 8 p.m. game will be broadcast nationally on the Big Ten Network.
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