No. 13 Rutgers men’s soccer lost 2-0 to No. 8 Maryland on Tuesday in College Park. The match remained scoreless through the first half, with both teams registering two shots on goal. Maryland had a slight edge in total shots, outshooting Rutgers 7-4.
Rutgers created several chances early in the second half but did not score. Maryland took the lead with two goals within five minutes, first from Stephane Njike assisted by Joseph Picotto and Chris Steinleitner in the 56th minute, followed by a goal from Joseph Picotto assisted by Tristen Rose and Stephane Njike in the 60th minute.
The loss marks only the second time this season that Rutgers has been held scoreless. Rutgers is now 0-1-1 against ranked opponents this year. Most of the team’s goals this season have come from newcomers, with Devon Stopek and Nick Collins as the only returning players to score so far.
Goalkeeper Ciaran Dalton made four saves during the match, bringing his career total to 218 and moving him up to fifth on Rutgers’ all-time saves list. Dalton is also the only player to have played every minute of all 13 matches this season.
Rutgers will next play at home against No. 21 Washington on Friday, October 17 at Yurcak Field.
