PISCATWAY, N.J. – The Rutgers men's soccer (1-0) defeated Providence (0-1), 1-0, in its season opener Thursday night at Yurcak Field. Dan Karsten scored the first goal of the season for Rutgers and his first as a Scarlet Knight.  
The first half ended scoreless, but RU generated several chances, out-shooting the Friars, 6-2.  
Karsten made the difference however, scoring the game-winner in the 46th minute on a penalty kick.  
 
Goals   
46' (RU) Dan Karsten  
Game Notes   
	- Karsten's goal marks the seventh of his collegiate career and first at Rutgers. He also started against Providence, signaling his 17th straight collegiate start.  
- Head coach Jim McElderry has now won six of his last seven season openers at RU, including the last two campaigns.  
- The Scarlet Knights dominated in almost every statistic including shots (15-5), shots on goal (7-1) and corners (7-2).  
- Joschi Schelb led Rutgers' offense with five shots, putting two on goal.  
- Ciaran Dalton made one save in a solid defensive performance and now sits 10th all-time with 172 career saves.  
- Six newcomers started for RU on Thursday including two freshmen on the backline, Braxton Montgomery and Jack Andrus. In addition, four new faces subbed in.  
Looking Ahead    
Rutgers will begin a four-match road stretch starting at in-state rival Seton Hall on Sunday, Aug. 24 at 8 p.m.  
Follow Along  
  
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