Photo by Mike Franco

Rutgers men's soccer shutouts Stony Brook for their sixth win

Rutgers men's soccer came out the gate hot, defeating the Stony Brook Seawolves 2-0 to move to 6-2-5 on the season. The Scarlet Knights looked to kick into gear as they prepare for their upcoming final conference games before seedings are announced for the Big Ten Tournament later this month. Goalie Ciaran Dalton was stellar in net, recording five saves for the Scarlet Knights to secure a key shutout victory over their second-to-last non-conference opponent.

After a rough six-game losing streak, Stony Brook (4-7) bounced back in their most recent outing with a win over College of Charleston, 2-0. The Seawolves looked to capitalize against a Rutgers team that has drawn five out of their 12 matches this season. A win on Wednesday would feel great for Rutgers going into their crucial conference games to end the regular season.

Rutgers' offense came out firing in the early minutes as the Scarlet Knights' last home win came over Northwestern back on Sept. 17th. Both teams had chances early to get a goal on the board. Graduate Student Pablo Avila knocked in an early goal assisted by junior Colin Beasley in the 8th minute to give the Scarlet Knights a 1-0 lead. Unlike Rutgers, the Seawolves did not convert on their goal opportunity, as Jonas Bickus missed a penalty shot in the 23rd minute. Goalkeeper Ciaran Dalton made a diving save, giving him his biggest save of the night.

Stony Brook threatened multiple times towards the end of the half, but Dalton recorded two saves during the Seawolves' attack with only ten minutes left of play in the 1st half. Dalton recorded five saves throughout the match, a key factor toward Rutgers' victory.

The second half was a solid defensive battle as the Scarlet Knights looked to capitalize on a goal to push the game out of reach. Stony Brook had five shots during the second half, but they were either off-target or saved by Dalton, preventing the Seawolves from tying the match. MD Myers, the transfer from High Point, has been the focal point of Rutgers' offense. He found the net, scoring on a penalty kick in the 87th minute to score his 11th goal of the season. This goal would finish off the match giving Rutgers a hard-earned victory.

What's Next For Rutgers

The Scarlet Knights travel to East Lansing to play Michigan State on Sunday afternoon. Rutgers' next three games against the Spartans, Michigan, and Penn State will be critical for their upcoming postseason tournament. Rutgers is currently tied for second in the Big Ten with Penn State. If the Scarlet Knights can spark a winning streak, they may have a chance to catch up to first-place Indiana before the start of the Big Ten Tournament on Nov. 4th.