Photo courtesy of Ramapo College of New Jersey
Ramapo College Men’s soccer team pulled off a victory against Rowan University with a 2-1 victory on Saturday night. The victory guarantees Ramapo a place in the 2018 NJAC tournament. Ramapo sits comfortably with a 13-2-2 record on the season and clinched a tournament berth following the contributions of familiar names on the stat sheet.
Ramapo broke through and scored first following a Joseph Fala goal just over 14 minutes into the match, which was assisted by Trevor Albrecht. Fala’s goal was his 20th of the year as he continues to dominate this season with an absolutely overwhelming share of the team’s goal totals.
Fala placed his name into the goal column again with only five minutes left in the half, as his strike beat Rowan netminder Kyle Dennis.
Fala’s 21st goal tied the Ramapo Roadrunner record for goals scored in one season, which was previously held by Rob Santaniello, now an assistant coach with the team. Fala ended the game holding almost 50 percent of the Roadrunners goal totals.
Both teams finished the first half tied in shots at six apiece. Ramapo goalkeeper Joshua Schaffer registered three saves to Dennis’ one. Rowan held an advantage in corners at 3-0.
Rowan finally put themselves on the board when Jackson Nwokeoma scored off of a header at 74:43-minute mark, cutting the lead down to just one. Nick Schlageter picked up an assist on the play. Rowan’s opening goal was not to be followed up on though as Ramapo held onto the 2-1 win.
Rowan took a lopsided amount of shots with a 15-5 advantage during the second half.
On top of that were an 8-0 advantage in corners. Still, it was not enough for them to get a win. Schaffer responded with four second half saves to stave off the Rowan flurry.
Averaging over 2.5 goals per game while holding opponents under one, the Roadrunners continue to build upon their already healthy goal differential and are now at a net positive of 31.
Scoring aside, Ramapo has maintained strong possession numbers against their opponents as well. Of all shot attempts that happen on the field, 69 percent are generated by Roadrunner players.
Perhaps one of Ramapo’s biggest strengths this season has been their first half goal-scoring prowess. The previously mentioned totals describe game long efficiency, but Ramapo has forced their opponents into playing “catch up” routinely this season because of a 24-5 first half goal balance.
Ramapo will play their final regular season game at William Paterson University on Wednesday, Oct. 24. Kick off begins at 7 p.m. The 2018 NJAC tournament will begin on Oct. 27.
ncowling@ramapo.edu
