Rutgers Mens’ Soccer Season Recap

The Rutgers Men’s Soccer team had a challenging season, ending with a 4-13-1 record, and 2-6 conference record. The season ended on Sunday with a quarterfinal loss to #2 seed Wisconsin Badgers. Jumping out to a 3-1 lead, the Scarlet Knights took a 3-2 lead at halftime, the Badgers came back in the second half and scored four goals while holding Rutgers scoreless, winning 6-3.

Prior to the tournament, the Big Ten announced their All-Big Ten Honors for Men’s Soccer, and three Scarlet Knights were named.

Jordan Hall completed his first season at Rutgers by being named All-Big Ten first team forward. He led the Big Ten in in goals (14) and points (30), which puts in him in the top ten in the nation in both categories. Jordan was the only Rutgers player on the All-Big Ten First team. Hall, who hails from Manchester, England, transferred to Rutgers this season after playing last year for Mississippi Gulf Coast College. He has one season of eligibility remaining.

Freshman Thomas DeVizio was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team. DeVizio, a New Jersey native, played in high school at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. He started in 15 games this season, and gained his first collegiate points with an assist against Ohio State in the Rutgers victory on September 30.

Finally, senior midfielder Thomas Dovell was awarded the Big Ten Sportmanship Award, which is given to one member of every team. To receive the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award, players demonstrate distinguished sportsmanship and ethical behavior. Additionally, winners also are in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports arena. Dovell came to Rutgers by way of Moorestown High School in Burlington County.

Despite the challenges of the season, there are several bright spots to note looking back on the season. They include:

Conference wins:

In 2016 and 2017, Rutgers went winless in conference play, ending with a 0-8 conference record. 2018 saw the Scarlet Knights gain a pair of victories, over Northwestern and Ohio State. They finished in seventh place out of nine Big Ten teams this season.

Conference Draw:

Those two wins mentioned above meant that Rutgers had an automatic entry to the quarterfinal round, and avoiding the play-in game to which they had been relegated for the previous two seasons.

We would also like to note the six players who have finished their collegiate careers at Rutgers. Congratulations to seniors Rafael Periera (GK), Alex Kaczynski (D/MF), Thomas Dovell (MF/F), Brian Shuchkovsky (GK), Miles Hackett (F), and Kyle Goodwin (F).

WIth only six players departing this season, hopefully, the experience of the squad will lead to an improved record in 2019.

UPDATE: Head coach Dan Donigan was dismissed on Tuesday. Full story here.

Photo Courtesy of Meech Robinson, Rutgers Athletics