Rutgers men’s soccer secured a 4-2 victory over Wisconsin on Friday night, maintaining their undefeated home record at 6-0. The win brings the Scarlet Knights’ overall record to 8-2-2 and 3-1-1 in Big Ten play.
The match began with both teams creating offensive opportunities, each taking three shots early on. Camron Boumsong gave Rutgers an initial lead in the 27th minute with a bicycle kick goal, marking his third score of the season.
Wisconsin responded early in the second half, equalizing in the 52nd minute. However, Rutgers quickly regained control when Andrew Kitch scored off an assist from Joschi Schelb just three minutes later. Schelb then assisted Nick Collins for another goal in the 59th minute, extending Rutgers’ lead to two goals.
Wisconsin narrowed the gap again in the 73rd minute, but a key turnover by Dan Karsten led to a red card for Wisconsin after a VAR review. Karsten capitalized on the ensuing free kick with a left-footed shot that deflected off defenders and sealed the win for Rutgers in the 87th minute.
Boumsong and Kitch now have three goals each this season, tying them for third place on the team. Collins’ goal was his second of this campaign and third overall in his career; he currently ranks fifth on the team with six points. Karsten has scored twice in his last three games and is second on the team with five goals.
Newcomers have contributed significantly to Rutgers’ offense this year, accounting for 21 of their 25 total goals so far this season. Only Devon Stopek and Nick Collins among returning players have scored.
Rutgers has scored four goals in three matches this season and found the net in all but one game. Their total of 25 goals is currently second highest among Big Ten teams.
Goalkeeper Ciaran Dalton made four saves during Friday’s match, bringing his career total to 213—placing him sixth all-time at Rutgers and just one save away from entering the top five list. Dalton is also noted as being the only player to have played every minute of all twelve matches this season.
The Scarlet Knights now hold an 8-6-1 advantage over Wisconsin in their series history and have won their last five meetings against them.
Next, Rutgers will face Maryland away on Tuesday, October 14 at 8 p.m.
