PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The University of Pennsylvania men's soccer team battled until the final second on Monday night, falling to Rutgers in the squads first road match since the season opener, 1-0.
 
The Quakers (3-2-1) only registered one shot in the first half but came out firing with four in the final 45 minutes including the best opportunity in the final second of the game. However, a goal by Rutgers (7-0-1) in the 60th minute held as the deciding factor in the match.
 
Quaker Notemeal
*Penn totaled five shots in the match, all by different players.
 
*Nick Christoffersen tended for the full 90 minutes, making four saves.
 
*In the field positions, Isaac McGinnis and Leo Burney played the entire match.
 
*Monday's match marked the second straight contest the Penn defense only allowed one goal.
 
How It Happened
The shots were firing right out the gates for both teams, as Rutgers got the first shot off in the first minute and Matt Leigh followed in the 11th minute with a rip toward the top right. However, the scoreboard remained untouched through the first 45 minutes.
 
In the 60th minute, the Scarlet Knights struck first off a free kick from the right side of the field. Sending in a cross to the middle of the 18, a redirected header pushed the ball past the outstretched gloves of Christoffersen.
 
The Quakers had four shots following the goal, looking to level the match including the best chance in the closing seconds of regulation. Senior captain McGinnis pushed the ball forward down the middle of the field and ripped a hard low shot from 20-yard out that the Rutgers' keeper couldn't corral, but he was able to keep it off the goal line as the clock expired.
 
Up Next
Penn heads back home for its final non-conference match before opening Ivy League play in October. The Quakers host Monmouth on Saturday at 7 p.m., on Rhodes Field.