PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Rutgers men's soccer team (2-5-2, 0-2-1 B1G) dropped a hard-fought 2-0 decision to Ohio State (3-4-2, 1-2-0 B1G) on Friday night.
Conditions at Yurcak Field were tough for both teams, as it rained for the majority of the contest and things started off quietly as a result.
The Scarlet Knights generated multiple quality chances in the first 45 minutes of play however, including a shot off the post from Curt Calov. In the 20th minute, RU took an early 5-3 lead in shots.
But it was the Buckeyes who found the back of the net first in the 34th minute, cashing in on a penalty kick to take the 1-0 lead into halftime.
Out of the break, OSU added another score in 52nd minute, this time off a corner kick to extend its lead, 2-0. The opposition held onto the brace to come out with the road win.
Goals
34' | (OSU) Laurence Wootton – unassisted
52' | (OSU) Marko Borkovic – Parker Grinstead
Game Notes
- Calov and Matthew Acosta paced Rutgers with three shots against Ohio State apiece. Acosta and Cole Cruthers each put a shot on frame, as well.
- Aurie Briscoe totaled three saves on Friday night, he now has five stops in two appearances this slate.
- The freshmen continued to show out as Nick Collins, Devon Stopek and Luciano Sanchez earned starts against the Buckeyes. Erick Ruiz also entered the game off the bench, playing big minutes on the backline. The group of four rookies have already collectively played 1,551 minutes on the pitch and combined for 17 starts.
- Calov, Acosta and Joey Zalinsky played all 90 minutes of the match.
- The results marks the first time Rutgers has fallen to Ohio State since 2019.
Looking Ahead
Rutgers will take the short trip to College Park to face Maryland (1-5-2, 0-3-1 B1G) on Tuesday, Oct. 3 for a 7 p.m. match. The game will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.
Follow Along
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