PRINCETON, N.J. – Despite a late rally attempt, the Rutgers men's soccer team (0-2-1) dropped a 2-1 decision to Princeton (1-0) on Friday night. Matthew Acosta scored the lone goal for the Scarlet Knights in the contest.
Ian Abbey and Ola Maeland generated early chances on offense for RU to take an early edge in shots. However, it was Princeton who got on the board first, scoring on its first corner attempt of the game.
In the second half of the first 45 minutes, the Scarlet Knights continued to apply pressure to the Tigers' defense, as Curt Calov and Abbey registered two shots apiece.
Rutgers came out hot in the second half, with Abbey, Francesco Di Ponzio and Luciano Sanchez all putting shots on frame in the opening two minutes. The Scarlet Knights continued attacking and pushed the pace, but Princeton broke through once again, converting on a penalty kick to extend its lead, 2-0, in the 67th minute.
After a chippy middle of the half, RU didn't give up, as Matthew Acosta found the back of the net to cut it back to a one goal deficit, 2-1.
Rutgers attacked until the final seconds, but Princeton ultimately came out on top, 2-1.
Goals
34' (PRIN) Daniel Ittycheria – Nico Nee
67' | (PRIN) Nico Nee – unassisted
83' | (RU) Matthew Acosta – unassisted
Game Notes
- Acosta's goal marks his first of the season and the second of his career. He earned his first collegiate score in the Big Ten Championship last season.
- Abbey recorded a new career high with six shots, including two on goal.
- Sawyer Koza and Cole Sotack earned their first starts of the season on Friday night, both playing on the backline.
- Di Ponzio also saw his first minutes on the pitch this fall, taking every set piece he was in the match for and recording one shot.
- Saahb Kular, Joey Zalinsky, Acosta and Ciaran Dalton have played every minute on the field for Rutgers through three games this season.
- The Tigers now own the 23-29-10 all-time edge over the Scarlet Knights.
- RU had the edge in shots, 26-15, and shots on goal, 7-6.
- Seven yellow cards were issued in the chippy outing, with Princeton receiving four to Rutgers' three. Bryan Keating was issued a red card in the final moments of the second half.
Looking Ahead
Rutgers will return home to face another New Jersey school in Saint Peter's (0-1-1) on Monday, Aug. Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. During the contest, the team will celebrate its student section, the Cavalry, with recognition throughout the night and $1 hotdogs.
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