PISCATWAY, N.J. – A late goal from Francesco Di Ponzio lifted Rutgers men's soccer (6-9-2, 3-6-1 B1G) over Michigan State (5-7-4, 4-4-2 B1G), 1-0, in the final game of the 2024 regular season on Sunday afternoon. Â
After much back and forth throughout the entire contest, Di Ponzio found the back of the net in the 83rd minute with help from Cole Cruthers and Nico Rosamilia. Â
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The Spartans did have an opportunity in the 90th minute, earned a penalty kick with seconds left after a hand ball in the box. However, the opposition did not convert, and the Scarlet Knights came away with the victory. Â
Ciaran Dalton had a strong outing between the pipes, as he recorded his second shutout of 2024, making three saves against MSU. Â
Goals Â
83' (RU) Francesco Di Ponzio – Cole Cruthers and Nico RosamiliaÂ
Game Notes Â
- RU finished the 2024 season strong, winning its last two games and ending with three Big Ten decisions. Â
- Di Ponzio's goal is his second of the season and second game-winner. He scored the deciding goal at then-No. 25 Wisconsin (Oct. 4) for two of the team's three Big Ten wins. He ends his sophomore season with five points. Â
- Rosamilia has registered points in back-to-back games with a goal against Maryland (Oct. 29) and his first assist of the slate against Michigan State. He still ranks fourth on the team with seven points. Â
- Cruthers' helper marks his second of the season and he ends his junior year with two points. Â
- Dalton recorded his sixth career shutout at MSU on Sunday. In addition, he ends the campaign with 65Â total saves, the highest total in his three years "On The Banks."
- The 1-0 victory signifies just the second win in program history over Michigan State as Rutgers also came out on top in 2021 (2-0). Â
- Freshmen Scott Godden made hid 14th start for RU while Arnar Adalsteinsson started his 13th outing. Â
- Other rookies in Dylan Carlson and Matty Lynch also got on the pitch.  Â
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