Hillside, N.J. (9/28/13) – Sophomore Mike Ryan proved to be the difference for #3 Rutgers-Camden as he netted both goals in a 2-1 win over the Kean University men's soccer team in NJAC action on Saturday.
In a typical physical matchup between NJAC programs, the Scarlet Raptors (11-0, 3-0 NJAC) were able to come away with the win despite five cards in the matchup.
Ryan was able to hip check past his defender on the left side of the box and capitalized with a high liner for the difference maker in the 74th minute. Ryan notched the game's first goal in the first half in what turned out to be the only marker of the first 45 minutes. In the 16th minute Ryan took a cross from Stevan Austino from the right sideline and launched a low header into the net from five yards out.
Freshman Akwasi Adu (pictured left) provided the equalizer for the Cougars (8-3, 1-1 NJAC) with 54:12 on the clock as he collected a defender deflection and put the ball past Mike Randall.
Tied up at one apiece, Rutgers-Camden looked to take the lead on a rocket fired from senior Mitch Grotti in the 68thminute, but Kean keeper Brad Watkins laid out to his left for the diving stop.
The Cougar defense stepped up with two key team saves in net on the afternoon as seniors Gordon Lyng and Stephen Moll both stepped in for stops in the second half.
Watkins finished with six saves on the afternoon while Camden's Randall picked up five of his own in the winning effort.
Today's contest was just about even on the scoresheet as both teams tallied 13 fouls while Kean recording 16 shots, to Camden's 15. The Scarlet Raptors edged Kean in corner opportunities, 7-4.
Kean returns to NJAC action on Wednesday when they travel to New Jersey City University. Rutgers-Camden heads to TCNJ on the same day.
