BOX SCORE
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers University rallied from an early 1-0 halftime deficit and scored once in the second half and again 14 minutes into overtime to take a 2-1, double overtime win from the University of Hartford men's soccer team on Sunday afternoon. Hartford rookie Seán McKinney connected on his first goal of the season.
The Hawks fall to 2-4 overall while the Red Storm improves to 2-1-2 on the season.
"Today's match was positive progress against Rutgers," commented head coach Dan Gaspar. "The Hawks managed to get on the scoreboard first. Statistically, the match was well-balanced. The Hawks won their battles and competed and unfortunately, conceded a goal in overtime. This weekend's matches against a pair of Big East teams were very challenging for the men's soccer program. It was extremely competitive, but exciting, and we improved every minute."
Hartford drew blood first as Jorge Rodriguez and McKinney connected at 10:12 to give the visitor's an early 1-0 advantage. On a corner kick, Rodriguez fired a high ball into the center of the box finding rookie McKinney who sent a header out of reach of Rutgers' keeper Adam Klink from point blank range..
Hartford's Jordan Bar was tested for the first time in the contest 18 minutes into the game. The junior net minder rejected a shot from Scarlet Knight Ibrahim Kamara from just outside the box, making the diving save to prevent the equalizer. Bar compiled three saves, dropping to 2-2 on the season.
Sam Archer netted the game-tying goal just four minutes out of the halftime break. From 35-yards out in the 50th minute, Archer drew Bar out of the goal and blasted his second goal of the season into the open net to knot the game at one goal apiece.
After more than 40 scoreless minutes in regulation and 14 more minutes off the overtime clock, Bryant Knibbs hooked up with Dragan Naumoski to sink the game-winning goal. Dragan sent a ball from the opposite end to Knibbs who knocked in the deciding goal past three Hawks' defenders.
Hartford managed just one shot in the extra periods. Senior defender Bojan Delibasic's attempt at 92:13 was on target, but was rejected by the Rutger's goalkeeper.
The Scarlet Knights held a slight shot advantage over the Hawks at 11-10 in the contest.
The Hawks will hit the road again to visit Hartwick for a 7:00 p.m. match on Saturday, September 25.
