HOBOKEN, N.J. (October 4, 2023) - Sophomore Max Rokhsar and first-year John Kovalchuk each scored their first career goals as the Stevens Institute of Technology men's soccer team defeated Rutgers-Newark 2-1 Wednesday evening at the DeBaun Athletic Complex.

The Ducks (5-2-3) win their final non-conference contest of the season, finishing the out of conference slate with a 4-2-3 record. Stevens improves to 9-4 all-time against the Scarlet Raiders (3-6-3). Stevens remains unbeaten at home this season (4-0-2)

Rutgers-Newark tested graduate Justin Cross just 53 seconds into the game, forcing him to make a diving save to keep the game tied. Despite the Ducks having most of the attempts in the first 30 minutes, it was the Scarlet Raiders who struck first off a rope from about 25 yards out in the 31st minute. Their lead wouldn't last long though, as Kovalchuk scored a header on an assist from senior Adam Cohen just two minutes later to knot things up. The Ducks would jump out in front right before the half, as Rokhsar buried a goal to put Stevens up 2-1 at the half. 

The Scarlet Raiders spent the whole second half trying to find the equalizer but they were unsuccessful. Cross was forced into four saves in the frame, allowing Stevens to be able to hold on for the victory over their cross town rivals.

Top Performers

• Rokhsar and Kovalchuk's goals were the first of their career.
• Cohen's assist was the first of his career.
• Cross made five saves.
• The Ducks totalled 16 shots with eight landing on target.

The Opponent

• Erick Morales scored for Rutgers-Newark.
• Rutgers-Newark had 16 shots with six going on target.
• Pedro Flores made four saves.

Around the MAC Freedom

• Lancaster Bible 3, No. 6 Lebanon Valley 3 F/TUE
• Misericordia 0, Gettysburg 3 F/TUE
• FDU-Florham 3, Marywood 0
• Penn State Berks 1, Delaware Valley 0
• King's 1, Rampao 0
• Arcadia 1, Alvernia 4
• DeSales 0, Albright 1

Up Next: Stevens hits the road on Saturday as they return to MAC Freedom play as they take on Misericordia. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Stevens is 1-1-2 all-time against Misericordia, including winning the last matchup 3-0. Bruno Andino scored in the contest while Emerico Vespucci provided an assist. Links for live stats and video are posted to stevensducks.com