Tuesday, October 6
Piscataway, N.J.
6:00 PM
Rutgers
5-5-1, 3-2-0
1
vs
2
Maryland
7-2-1, 2-2-1
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Rutgers | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Photo by: Ben Solomon
Men’s Soccer Drops Battle To No. 7 Maryland
Oct 06 | Men's Soccer
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men's soccer battled against the defending Big Ten champions in front of a season-high 614 fans at Yurcak Field on Tuesday night, falling 2-1 to No. 7 Maryland. The Scarlet Knights faced their sixth ranked foe of the season, falling to 5-5-1 overall and 3-2 in the Big Ten. With the win, Maryland improved to 7-2-1 on the season and 2-2-1 in Big Ten play.
Amer Lukovic had the lone goal for RU, while Rafael Ponce De Leon had three saves.
Maryland got on the scoreboard first on the game's first shot just over three minutes into the game. The Terps gained possession in the offensive end and went quickly to goal. The visitors sent in a long ball to the backline, where it was crossed in front for Rodrigo Neri to volley on a quick touch into the net.
The Scarlet Knights countered the early goal by putting pressure on the Maryland goal. The Scarlet Knights took seven of the next eight shots following the visitors goal, striking for the equalizer in the 19th minute. The Scarlet Knights earned the first corner of the game, playing it short for a cross. Dan Karsten sent a long cross into the box, where Amer Lukovic leapt into the air and headed it home to even the score at 1-1.
At halftime, the score remained even at 1-1. RU put constant pressure on Maryland in the opening half, earning five corners and leading on shots.
The second half was evenly matched for most of the action. With just eight minutes to go, Maryland broke through. Farouk Cisse gave Maryland the lead with a strong individual play, carrying the ball down the field and putting home a strike into the left corner.
Rutgers continued to press for an equalizer, with a late shot from William Pierce turned aside. Maryland was able to hold them off to secure the victory.
Rutgers will be back in action this weekend as they hit the road to head to Madison, Wisconsin. RU will face No. 20 Wisconsin at 8 p.m. on Saturday night, then return to Yurcak Field to host Indiana on Friday, October 16.
Gallery: (10-6-2026) Men's Soccer Faces No. 7 Maryland
Amer Lukovic had the lone goal for RU, while Rafael Ponce De Leon had three saves.
Maryland got on the scoreboard first on the game's first shot just over three minutes into the game. The Terps gained possession in the offensive end and went quickly to goal. The visitors sent in a long ball to the backline, where it was crossed in front for Rodrigo Neri to volley on a quick touch into the net.
The Scarlet Knights countered the early goal by putting pressure on the Maryland goal. The Scarlet Knights took seven of the next eight shots following the visitors goal, striking for the equalizer in the 19th minute. The Scarlet Knights earned the first corner of the game, playing it short for a cross. Dan Karsten sent a long cross into the box, where Amer Lukovic leapt into the air and headed it home to even the score at 1-1.
At halftime, the score remained even at 1-1. RU put constant pressure on Maryland in the opening half, earning five corners and leading on shots.
The second half was evenly matched for most of the action. With just eight minutes to go, Maryland broke through. Farouk Cisse gave Maryland the lead with a strong individual play, carrying the ball down the field and putting home a strike into the left corner.
Rutgers continued to press for an equalizer, with a late shot from William Pierce turned aside. Maryland was able to hold them off to secure the victory.
Rutgers will be back in action this weekend as they hit the road to head to Madison, Wisconsin. RU will face No. 20 Wisconsin at 8 p.m. on Saturday night, then return to Yurcak Field to host Indiana on Friday, October 16.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
UMD
RUT
Goals
2
1
Shots
9
15
Shots on Goal
5
7
Saves
6
3
Corners
5
7
Fouls
6
10
Scoring Plays
Rodrigo Neri (6)
Assisted By: Henry Bernstein , Franklin Affanyi
GOAL by UMD Neri, Rodrigo Assist by Bernstein, Henry and Affanyi, Franklin.
03:17
Amer Lukovic (3)
Assisted By: Francesco Di Ponzio , Dan Karsten
GOAL by RUT Lukovic, Amer Assist by Di Ponzio, Francesco and Karsten, Dan.
18:38
Farouk Cisse (1)
GOAL by UMD Cisse, Farouk.
82:06
Game Leaders
mid
Shots
5
SOG
3
Goals
1
Assists
0
fwd
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
2
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Monday, October 06
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