Rutgers men’s soccer defeats Michigan State 2-0 in season opener

Head coach Jim McElderry’s second season opened up on a high note on Friday, as Rutgers defeated Michigan State on the road 2-0. The Scarlet Knights earned the program’s first ever win over the Spartans, who were picked to finish two spots higher than RU in the Big Ten preseason coaches poll.

St. Joe’s senior transfer Ritchie Barry got Rutgers off to a great start with a goal in the 16th minute. The defense held MSU to just 1 shot in the first half as the one goal lead held into the break.

In the 56th minute, freshman Colin Beasley came off the bench to score his first collegiate goal. Sophomore Jackson Temple, who was second in points last season and made the Big Ten All-Freshmen Team, set up both goals with two assists in the victory. Sophomore goalkeeper Oren Asher produced the fourth shutout of his Rutgers career with five saves.

Rutgers is back on the pitch on Tuesday, February 23 at 12 p.m. against Penn State. It will take place indoors at Iron Peaks Sports & Events in Hillsborough, New Jersey.

For more on men’s soccer, check out our season preview here.