CAMDEN, N.J. (Sept. 5, 2018) – Coming off their championship in the Gilmore Classic at Rowan University over the weekend, the Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team entered Wednesday night's home opener against Alvernia University looking to keep their momentum going.
The Scarlet Raptors kept their undefeated string intact, but snapped their two-game winning streak as they settled for a tie with the Golden Wolves, 1-1, in a double-overtime non-conference game.
The tie leaves Rutgers-Camden at 2-0-1, while Alvernia is 1-1-1.
Although they dominated the opening half, holding a 10-4 advantage in shots and a 4-1 margin in corner kicks, the Scarlet Raptors couldn't finish their numerous chances. They finally broke the scoring ice 11:49 into the second half when freshman midfielder
Kaito Kitazawa, pictured above, ripped a 30-yard bullet over Alvernia goalkeeper Luca Grippi and just under the crossbar. It was the first Raptor goal for Kitazawa.
Alvernia tied the game seven minutes later when Braden Kreider crossed a pass from the right side to the left top of the box, where Adam Orndorff provided the finishing touch.
Neither team managed a goal the rest of the way, although Alvernia managed to hit the post in the second overtime period.
Rutgers-Camden finished with an 18-16 edge in shots, with Alvernia holding a 7-4 overtime shots advantage. Camden also finished with an 8-4 edge in corner kicks.
Raptor senior keeper
James Brett notched eight saves, while Grippi finished with four.
Rutgers-Camden hosts the 18th annual Cialella Soccer Classic this weekend, with games at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the early game will feature Rowan University against Emory University. The Scarlet Raptors will face the College of Staten Island in the nightcap.
