Union, N.J. (10/21/15) – The No.12 Kean men's soccer fell to Rowan University 2-1 in an NJAC match up on Wednesday night. It was the first home loss of the season for the Cougars. Kean is now 14-3 on the season and 5-2 in the conference.
Rowan (13-4, 4-3 NJAC) got on the scoreboard in the first 15 minutes of the match on a good pass from the right side to Jake Conners - assisted by Shane Doherty.
Although the Profs had the advantage on the scoreboard, it was an even fight on the playing field. At the end of the first half, shots on goal were tied at 4-4, but Rowan did lead in total shots 12-5
In the 54th minute, Will Sjaastad headed in the second goal of the night directly off a corner from Shane Patterson to give the visitors a two-goal cushion.
Kean surged with 12 minutes left in the second half. Kevin Olaya scored on a penalty kick, powering the Cougars back to life.
Each team continued to battle, playing a tough and physical game. Fouls tallied 18-10 on the night, with Rowan committing more violations.
Kean came close to tying the match with two minutes remaining as Olaya (pictured left) fed the ball to the middle for a nice cross in front of the Prof cage, but the Cougars were unable to put the ball in the back of the net to force overtime.
Chidi Iloka made three saves for the Cougars, while Kyle Dennis definitely earned Wednesday's win with eight stops for the Profs.
Kean continues NJAC play this weekend, Saturday October 24th at 2:00 p.m. against Stockton University in Galloway, N.J. It will be the Cougars' final road match of the regular season.
