TicketsOct. 14, 2006
CINCINNATI, Ohio -- The No. 14 University of Cincinnati men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision against BIG EAST foe Rutgers Saturday night at Gettler Stadium, snapping the Bearcats' school-record eight-match unbeaten streak. UC (9-4-2/5-3-1 BIG EAST) now leads the Scarlet Knights (8-6-0/5-4-0) by just a point in the BIG EAST Red Division.
A Kevin O'Connor goal in the 50th minute was the difference, as UC lost for the first time since Sept. 10 (at ). Chris Moore carried the ball into the right corner and sent a cross into the box. The ball trickled through a group of defenders and found O'Connor all alone, who slid home his third marker of the season.
The Bearcats outshot Rutgers, 12-10, but were unable to get many quality chances following the goal as RU laid back defensively to guard against any counters.
had a prime chance late in the first half as Kwame Sarkodie streaked up the left sideline, drew a pair of defenders and slid a crossing pass, untouched, all the way through the box. Unfortunately for the Bearcats, there was no one waiting on the other end.
In the second half, UC pressed and pressed, but was unable to net the equalizer. In the final minutes, Sarkodie fired a shot from the right side, just outside the box that beat RU goalkeeper Matt Vanoekel, but was off the mark, hitting the side netting.
Vonoekel made four saves in recording his fourth shutout of the season. UC keeper Mike Vessells allowed a goal for the first time in three matches. He has allowed just four goals in his last nine contests with four shutouts.
UC honored six seniors prior to kickoff, as Omar Cummings, Mike Dwyer, Sam Miller, Sarkodie, Kidus Tadele and Vessells played their final regular-season match at Gettler Stadium.
The Bearcats will hit the road for their final two BIG EAST matches. On Wednesday, Oct. 18, UC will take on DePaul at 4 p.m. CT before heading to Villanova for a 1 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, Oct. 21.