Category: Rutgers soccer

Rutgers women’s soccer spending spring break in Europe

Rutgers women’s soccer is set to go on a European tour.

For Rutgers women’s soccer, the upcoming spring break is a little different this year. The Scarlet Knights are in Europe until March 17, visiting England and Scotland. After sightseeing during the day, their nights will be filled with games against various professional organizations.

Their first stop will be in London, where Rutgers will see Premier League and Champions League matches at Arsenal and Chelsea. The landmarks they will visit include Abbey Road Crossing, the London Eye, and the Thames. Rutgers will also experience a training session with the coaching staff at Chelsea before heading to Manchester for a tour of Etihad Stadium.

Rutgers tour of Europe will then shift to Scotland, where they will see Edinburgh and Rangers F.C. Before returning to the United States, the Scarlet Knights will visit Glasgow for a Scottish Premier League game.

 

 

While it will be a busy nine days, it is a trip that head coach Mike O’Neil is not taking for granted.

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“We are looking forward to immersion into the European culture, competing on the international stage, experiencing live matches, and adding depth to the relationships within our program,” O’Neill told Rutgers Athletics. “As a coaching staff, we are so fortunate to be surrounded by such incredible people and we are really excited to be a part of making memories in England and Scotland.”

Rutgers men’s soccer ready for first foreign tour under Jim McElderry

Rutgers men’s soccer is heading to Spain.

In four days, Rutgers men’s soccer is set to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. From March 8 to 17, the Scarlet Knights will travel to Spain for its first foreign tour under head coach Jim McElderry. The team’s trip starts on March 9 when they land in Madrid before moving to Barcelona.

While sightseeing in Madrid, Rutgers is set to have multiple training sessions and play one game against CD San Roque EFF. Rutgers will also get to attend the Real Madrid vs. Celta Viga match. Their time in Madrid includes a tour of the Atletico Madrid Stadium and Santiago Bernabeu (home of Real Madrid).

Their second stop on the trip will be Toledo, where Rutgers will compete in a match against Illescas FC. They will get to watch Atletico take on Inter Milan before heading to their final destination.

 

Rutgers will finish their trip with a stop in Barcelona where they will play a local academy. For McElderry, this is an opportunity he isn’t taking for granted.

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“Our team is very fortunate and excited for our Foreign Tour to Spain this upcoming March,” McElderry told Rutgers athletics. “We had a few special alums step up and help our program raise the funds needed to allow our team to have this life experience. We are so thankful to the support of the Edelstein Family, the Miller Family, Jeff and Lisa Sinko, as well as an anonymous gift for making this once in a lifetime trip happen. We will use this time to expose the group to a new culture, grow as individuals, volunteer our time, enjoy each other’s company and represent Rutgers on the international stage.

Rutgers men’s soccer: Former Scarlet Knight MD Myers is making a transfer move from New York City FC

Rutgers men’s soccer alum MD Myers is heading to the USL.

MD Myers was transferred by New York City FC to the Charleston Battery on Thursday, bringing the former Rutgers star to one of the best teams in the USL.

The Battery play in the USL Championship, one level down from MLS. For the former Rutgers forward, it is a step up in competition and could lead to a move to MLS if he continues the high-level he showed in 2023.

Prior to joining NYCFC, Myers played one year with Rutgers in 2022 as a transfer addition but it was certainly memorable. He scored 14 goals for the Scarlet Knights and helped them to capture the Big Ten Tournament, the first in program history.

He was selected No. 66 overall in the 2023 MLS Super Draft.

Last season for NYCFCII, the reserve team that plays in MLS Next Pro, Myers had 19 goals and five assists in 28 games played. He made the MLS Next Pro Best XI and tied for the developmental league as the leading scorer.

Myers has a nose for goal and is a sound finisher. His movement off the ball, with the ability to play off the defender’s back shoulder, is a hallmark of his game.

At Rutgers, he was routinely man-marked by the opposition and frequently drew two defenders when he was in the box.

Dilly! Dilly! Former Rutgers soccer star Dilly Duka to take over FC Motown

Dilly Duka lands as head coach of FC Motown.

Former Rutgers men’s soccer star Dilaver ‘Dilly” Duka is the next head coach of FC Motown. Duka had a long career that saw him become a top midfielder in MLS and also played in the Champions League.

From Montville, New Jersey, Duka was a two-year letter winner at Rutgers where had made 35 starts. He was an All-Big East selection, his final season at Rutgers before turning professional.

He was a first-round pick of the Columbus Crew in the 2010 MLS Super Draft. During his career, Duka was known for being a creative player who was crisp on the ball and a good passer. He was technically and tactically strong as a central midfielder.

FC Motown, based in Morristown, New Jersey, operates two clubs, one in the USL and one in the NPSL.

 

They are a strong club in both leagues. Duka retired as an FC Motown player in 2020. He spent one season, in 2018-19 with Partizani Tirana, a Champions League club in Albania.

Duka played for the United States U20 and U23 national teams. He would spend eight seasons in MLS, his last one with the New York Red Bulls.

Four Rutgers players earn Big Ten All-Conference Awards

Several Rutgers standouts make All-Big Ten honors.

Before the start of the Big Ten tournament, Big Ten Soccer released their All-Conference awards. The Scarlet Knights were well represented as four players were recognized. That list includes Jackson Temple, Matthew Acosta, Nick Collins, and Cole Cuthers.

During the regular, Temple was a scoring machine and earned the first All-Big Ten First team selection of his career. He led the Scarlet Knights in goals with six and points with 16. The Millville native ended the season third in the conference in points.

Like Temple, Acosta played a key role on offense. He set career highs in goals with three and earned a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team. He also finished second on the team in points with nine. As he has done throughout his college career, Acosta was a constant presence in the lineup and played in all 15 games.

 

Additionally, the Scarlet Knights got a boost from Collins, who burst onto the scene and earned a spot on the conference All-Freshman Team. He started in 11 games and led all Big Ten rookies with 879 minutes played. Collins also chipped in offensively with one assist.

Rounding out the list is Cuthers, who appeared in every single game. He ranked third on the team in minutes played and was named the team’s Big Ten Sportsmanship Award Honoree.

Unfortunately, Rutgers season ended with a loss to Penn State on Friday in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament. However, the future is bright, with players such as Collins just getting started.

Former Rutgers star MD Myers made the most of his first season with New York City FC II

MD Myers, a former Rutgers standout, is getting props from MLS Next Pro.

During the 2022 campaign, MD Myers dazzled Rutgers soccer fans with his scoring ability. As a result, he was drafted in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by New York FC City.

And in his first full season, Myers showed his potential by being named to the ‘Best XI’ in the MLS Next Pro. The league is the developmental arm of MLS.

The New Jersey native was a scoring machine for NYCFC II as he recorded 19 goals. Myers certainly was not afraid of shooting the ball as he attempted 90 shots, 45 of which landed on the net.

 

Additionally, he posted a 69.9 passing percentage in 2,454 minutes of action. His statistics were similar to those that he posted at Rutgers before he moved on to the next step of his career.

 

For Rutgers fans, his success comes as no surprise. Myers called Piscataway home for one year and recorded 32 points. In 18 games, he found the back of the net 13 times. Due to his play, he was unanimously selected as the 2022  Big Ten Player of the Year.

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While his professional career is starting, Myers has made a great first impression. He has already added a Golden Boot award to his resume, which should be just the beginning of an unforgettable career as he looks to transition to the first team next year.

Rutgers men’s soccer to face Penn State in Quarterfinals of Big Ten Tournament

Rutgers men’s soccer faces a tough test in the Big Ten Tournament.

After a regular season full of ups and downs, Rutgers men’s soccer will travel to University Park to take on Penn State in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament. The Nittany Lions are the favorites after winning nine games in the regular season compared to Rutgers five. However, this matchup should provide plenty of fireworks as Rutgers looks to pull off an upset.

During the 2023 campaign, these two programs faced each other once, with Rutgers recording a 2-1 win. Matthew Acosta and Ola Maeland provided the scoring, while Ciaran Dalton made three saves. It was one of three conference wins for Rutgers.

 

While Rutgers spoiled Penn State’s visit to Piscataway, they have a tough test ahead. The Nittany Lions won three of their last five games. During the 2023 campaign, the Scarlet Knights struggled away from Piscataway and posted a 1-6-1 record.

To beat Penn State for the second time this year, Matthew Acosta and Jackson Temple must be at their best. The Rutgers duo scored nine combined goals and recorded 25 points during the regular season.

Fans for both teams can mark their calendars for 6 p.m. on Friday for the fun to begin. So far this year, Penn State is 7-2-1 at home.

Rutgers soccer: Jackson Temple provided a reminder of his value during the 2023 campaign

Rutgers men’s soccer has gotten a savvy senior performance from Jackson Temple.

During the 2023 campaign, Jackson Temple has been a human highlight reel for Rutgers. The Pennsylvania native appeared in 13 games and scored six goals while dishing out four assists. As Rutgers struggled to recapture their success from last season, Temple was one piece on offense they could count on.

Additionally, the Millville High School product continued to produce in clutch situations. He recorded one game-winning goal, increasing his total during his college career to six. With Rutgers shifting their focus to the Big Ten Tournament, Temple will again be a critical piece to their success.

Although he only appeared in 13 games compared to last year’s 21, Temple has been Rutgers most valuable player. He led the team in goals and was the only player to record double-digit points. In conference play, he thrived with eight points while nobody else on the team had more than four.

 

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As the Scarlet Knights hope to make a deep run in the Big Ten tournament, Temple must take his game to another level. Rutgers has struggled to score at times but ended the regular season on a high note with two wins in their last three games. Regardless of how the next few weeks play out, the 2023 campaign has provided a reminder of how good Temple is.

Rutgers men’s soccer: Ciaran Dalton named Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Week

Rutgers men’s soccer got a weekly Big Ten honor.

On Tuesday, Rutgers soccer had a reason to celebrate as Ciaran Dalton was rewarded for his impressive play. The New York native was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. It marks the first time in Dalton’s career that he has won the award.

The talented sophomore is more than deserving after his performance in Rutgers win over Maryland on Oct. 3. Dalton made a career-high 10 saves as Rutgers secured their first win in program history at Ludwig Field. It was also a special night for the Scarlet Knights goalkeeper as his 10 saves are the highest by any goalkeeper in the Big Ten this fall.

 

Following his performance against Maryland, Dalton made five saves against Northwestern on Oct. 8.  Through nine games this season, the Pearl River High School product has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Big Ten as he ranks second in the conference with 3.78 saves per game. However, his impressive season doesn’t stop there.

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Additionally, Dalton has made at least five saves in his last three games. While the Scarlet Knights have struggled this season, Dalton has been a bright spot in net. He will be back in action on Friday night when Rutgers takes on Wisconsin at home.

Watch: Rutgers men’s soccer gets a last second goal in their Big Ten opener

Jackson Temple got a huge goal for Rutgers men’s soccer in the game’s final moment.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Jackson Temple found the equalizer for Rutgers men’s soccer with one second left in Sunday’s Big Ten opener.

Literally, with one second left.

In what was an incredible finish, arguably the most dramatic in program history, the senior attacker pounced on a ball inside six-yard box. From a tight angle, Temple one-timed a shot that he tucked inside the far post.

The tie was well deserved for Rutgers, who controlled much of the match including possession and opportunities created. Three times in the match, Rutgers had an open header inside the six-yard box. Each time, Rutgers failed to put the effort on frame.

It was still a match where Rutgers likely deserved more than a draw. They grew into the match after a slow opening 10 minutes and were the more proactive team for much of the first half and the majority of the second half.

 

Temple, who came up through the Philadelphia Union Academy, now has three goals and two assists on the year.

With the draw, Rutgers men’s soccer is now 2-3-3 (0-0-1 Big Ten). It was an important result for the Scarlet Knights, who had some difficult results in out-of-conference play.

Last year, Rutgers won the Big Ten Tournament for the first time in program history.

Rutgers plays next at Michigan on Friday.