The Big Ten announced its 2023 men’s soccer preseason honors on Monday afternoon and Rutgers was well represented. Three Scarlets Knights, Matthew Acosta, Jason Bouregy, and Joey Zalinsky, were named to the Big Ten Men’s watch list. For the talented trio, it is an honor they are not unfamiliar with.
This is the second straight year Acosta has been named to the list. He is coming off a stellar sophomore season in which he started all 21 games and led Rutgers in minutes played with 1,742. He also scored two goals in the Big Ten championship.
Like Acosta, Bouregy was essential to Rutgers success last year. He was tied for the team lead in assists with eight, which was also the second most in the Big Ten. The Paramus native also showed a flair for the dramatic as he netted game-winning goals against Northwestern and Wisconsin in September. He finished the 2022 campaign ranked third on the team in points with 14.
16' | GOALđź‘Ź
Jason Bouregy tallies in his second consecutive game to give the Scarlet Knights the first lead of the game!
Rutgers 1, Wisconsin 0
🎥 https://t.co/au6PNzMkWk
đź“Š https://t.co/3EGBB8pGkU
đź“° https://t.co/mxMQXXTbFI #GoRU | #RUMS pic.twitter.com/AbyXKBwtP6— Rutgers Men's Soccer (@RUMensSoccer) September 24, 2022
Rounding out the trio is Zalinsky, who is an important part of Rutgers defensive unit. He appeared in al1 19 games last year and finished second on the team in minutes played. He also added to his offensive game with his first three career points.
Hear about Joey Zalinsky's story!@RedBullsAcademy ➡️ NYRB II ➡️ @RUMensSoccer #NYRBII pic.twitter.com/J4QEPtEQ0H
— New York Red Bulls II (@NYRBII) August 9, 2021
With this trio leading the way, Rutgers has high expectations for the 2023 campaign. Their roster will feature 22 players from its 2022 Big Ten Tournament title team.
The Scarlet Knights will begin the regular season on the road at Delaware on Thursday, Aug. 24, before playing their home opener at Yurcak Field against St. John’s on Monday, Aug. 28.