Rutgers Men’s Lacrosse Edged by #9 Army at Snowy High Point Solutions Stadium

Rutgers Men’s lacrosse supporters had to be wondering how their squad would bounce back from the embarrassing result against Monmouth at the weekend.   The answer was a resounding effort of which any fan should be proud.

Of course, on the flip side one could say, “Where was this effort against Monmouth?”  However, it is heartening that this team not only looked like it belonged on the same field as a top ten opponent, but at times, looking as good as Army if not better.

Despite finding itself in a 6-1 hole, Rutgers had really played as well as Army in attack but lacked the finishing of the Black Knights.

The difference once again was in net as Army goal-keeper Sam Somers made an incredible 10 first-half saves.  In contrast, Rutgers’ Jake Anderson allowed 7 first half goals while stopping only 3 shots.

Rutgers found itself down 7-3, but didn’t quit and found themselves very much in this game.

Veteran leader Scott Bieda got the scoring started early in the second half with a goal on a man-down situation to cut Army’s lead to three goals.

Rutgers got the improbable goal started when it came up with a turnover in its own end and after a beautiful outlet pass, Rutgers was on the fast-break.  Christian Scarpello hit Bieda on a quick pass right through the middle of the disorganized Army defense, and Bieda turned and flung it past Somers to get the Knights back in the contest.

Army restored its four-goal advantage with a long shot from Avery Littlejohn who whistled one home from the right-wing past the shoulder of RU’s Anderson – long goals were what did RU in on the day.

The snow began to pick up and that seemed to spurn on Rutgers as it got back on the attack.

After winning the faceoff, an area Rutgers has performed well in this season, the Knights raced down the field to set up.

After a nice spell of possession, Jules Heningburg slotted home a pass from Rich Rambo to get the Knights within three at the close of the third quarter.

Scott Bieda would get the Scarlet Knight closer with a strong individual effort shrugging off defenders cutting to the front of the net and scoring unassisted to get the Knights within a pair on his 11^th goal of the year.

The scoreboard operator selected “The Bells Must Ring” to celebrate this goal and perhaps to spur the Scarlet Knights upstream in the snow and come up with what would be a monumental upset.

Army however, showed its class when it came up with the game’s 15^th goal just two minutes later as Shea Mullins fired one home from the wing which seemed to deflate the Scarlet Knights momentarily.

However, Rutgers would bounce back and with only 4:51 remaining, Ryan Hollingsworth took a pass from Bieda and fired it past Somers to get the score to 9-7.

Despite numerous chances in the game’s waning moments, Somers regained his first half form and came up with the key saves when his team needed it and preserved the 9-7 win.

The improved effort did not go unnoticed by Rutgers’ coach Brian Brecht who remarked, “Overall, I was pleased with our effort today…I thought the focus and execution of our game plan was good. Credit goes to our captains and our coaching staff, who did a great job with a quick turnaround to get the team focused. The energy was a lot better today.” (Credit Scarletknights.com)

Rutgers must again dust itself off and get ready for a showdown with Stony Brook at Highpoint Solutions Stadium on Sunday.