PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Joschi Schelb's late free-kick conversion leads Rutgers men's soccer (4-1-1, 1-0 B1G) to a B1G-ply opening victory over Penn State (2-3-1, 0-1 B1G) on Friday night at Yurcak field.
With both squads trading scoring opportunities for the first 75 minutes of play, a misplay from the Nittany Lions led to a counterattack-opportunity for Andrew Kitch who was able to draw a foul just outside the Penn State box. Following a VAR review, Penn State's Joseph Sheridan was given a red card for denying a goal scoring opportunity.
The Scarlet Knights, playing a man up, were awarded a free kick just outside the box in the 78th minute of play. Schelb placed a well-struck drive off the top of the crossbar and in, just past the outstretched arm of the Nittany Lion keeper.
Goals
78' (RU) Joschi Schelb
Game Notes
- Schelb's tally marks his sixth goal of the season and 19th of his career. He currently leads Rutgers, the Big Ten and is tied for first in the nation in goals scored.
- He also paces RU and the conference with 13 points, 28 shots and 14 strikes on frame.
- 12 of RU's 13 goals this season have come from newcomers. Devon Stopek is the lone returner to net a goal so far.
- Ciaran Dalton made two saves in net on Friday to stay at eighth on the all-time career saves list with 189 stops. He is 10 stops away from seventh place.
- Dalton is the only Scarlet Knights to play all 90 minutes of all six matches this campaign.
- Friday's 1-0 victory marks thee Scarlet Knights 11th win against the Nittany Lions all-time and their first since 2023.
- RU doubled PSU in shots (18-9) and owned the advantage in shots on goal (7-2) and corners (9-4).
Looking Ahead
Rutgers will travel to Northwestern on Friday, Sept. 19 for its Big Ten road opener at 7:30 p.m.
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