During the first round of UR’s annual Flower City Classic, the UR men’s soccer team defeated Rutgers University-Newark 2-1 in a highly-contested overtime game on Friday.
Junior midfielder Michael Cross netted the winning goal during an intense overtime period, tallying his first goal of the season.
“The team fought really hard to gut out the win,” senior and center-back Michael Sergeant said. The key to the team’s success, Sergeant continued, was that many players of all class years stepped up their performances to contribute.
The first half remained scoreless as both teams struggled offensively to start off the game. In the first 45 minutes, there were nine total shots on goal among the two teams. UR senior and goalkeeper Marshal Davidson grabbed three saves during the first half alone.
Junior midfielder Ben Swanger gained the momentum early in the second half by scoring his first goal of the season at the 54 minute mark. He was assisted by senior Tyler Buck and freshman Milan Fatschel. Less than five minutes later, Rutgers-Newark’s sophomore forward Atubi Chigozie responded with a goal assisted by sophomore Isaiah Kuris. No further goals were scored during regulation, which pushed the game into overtime.
The ‘Jackets came out strong to begin the overtime period. During the seventh minute, Cross scored a header off an assist from sophomore Samuel Cekala. After only scoring one goal during regulation time, “scraping our way back into the game was extremely rewarding,” Buck said.
Buck continued to say that defeating Rutgers was a big win for the ‘Jackets. “It will really give [us] some momentum as we gear up towards the rest of the regular season,” Sergeant added.
In the championship game of the tournament, UR proceeded to tie Morrisville State (0-0) in double overtime. Sophomore goalkeeper Redd Brown recorded seven saves during the Morrisville State matchup.
The ‘Jackets will compete at Hobart College in Geneva this coming Saturday, where they will be seeking their first conference win of the season. Their next home game will be Sept. 22 against the St. John Fisher College Cardinals.
Lewis is a member of the class of 2016.
