Men's Soccer Knocks Off No. 11 Rutgers
10/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 5, 2003
Box Score
Piscataway, NJ - The Saint Mary's men's soccer team upset the No. 11-ranked Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2-1 in double overtime on Sunday in their final game of the Rutgers Tournament. The wins places the Gaels in second place in the tournament and three Saint Mary's players were named to the All-Tournament Team. Saint Mary's victory also improves their record to 5-7 on the season, surpassing their 2002 win total of four.
Rutgers controlled play in regulation, out-shooting Saint Mary's 27-6, but could not score on several chances. After many failed scoring opportunities, Rutgers entered its fourth overtime match of the season.
Saint Mary's finished off its come-from-behind upset bid with a goal in the third minute of the second overtime. SMC's Michael Johnson pushed in a Diego Rovira corner kick just inside the far post to seal it for the Gaels.
Despite the one-goal lead, Rutgers was pushing for more and seemed on the verge of its second goal of the match, out-shooting the Gaels 13-2 in the first period.
After absorbing constant pressure for the entire match, Saint Mary's finally moved the ball past the RU defense. The Gaels made the most of their few scoring chances with the tying score in the 72nd minute. The Gael's Matthew Fitzgerald fired a shot that bounced off Rutgers goalkeeper Lubos Ancin, who made the start in goal for Rutgers in the second half. Anthony Butler collected the loose ball and put it in from just inside six-yard box for the equalizer.
Saint Mary's goalkeeper Kellan Wilson made 12 saves, including several tough stops in the second period.
Richie Arenas, who score twice for Rutgers in its win over San Diego State on Friday, and senior Josh Gros, were part of the Rutgers Classic All-Tournament team announced at the conclusion of the tournament. Other members of the All-Tournament team included Colin Hanke (SDSU), Ryan Curtis (SDSU), Matthew Fitzgerald (SMC), Michael Johnson (SMC), Anthony Butler (SMC), Tim O'Neill and Simone Salinno (SJU). Chris Winger of St. John's was the Tournament Defensive MVP, while the Red Storm's Matt Groenwald took Offensive MVP honors.
Monday, October 20
Thursday, October 16
Saturday, September 27
Thursday, September 04
