DURHAM, N.C. (September 1, 2013) – The Rutgers men’s soccer team (0-1-1) dropped a 2-1 decision to two-time defending SoCon champions Elon (1-0-1), closing out weekend action at the Duke Soccer Classic on Sunday.

The Scarlet Knights controlled first half play outshooting the Phoenix, 8-4, and taking a 1-0 advantage into the half.  Junior midfielder Nathan Bruccoleri (Bordentown, N.J.) got RU on the board in the 34^th minute of play.  Senior forward Kene Eze (Sayreville, N.J.) passed a rebound off to Bruccoleri, who managed to find the back of the Elon net from 12 yards out.

In the second half, RU got one early look at the net with Mael Corboz’s (Green Brook, N.J.) attempt saved by Phoenix keeper Nathan Dean less than four minutes in.  From there, however, the Scarlet Knights were kept at bay and two of Elon’s five second half shots made it between the posts.  Myles Mansfield’s strike from 18 yards out tied the game at 1-1 in the 75^th minute.  Two minutes later, Elon’s Jason Waterman, on the assist from Matt Wescoe, put the Phoenix up 2-1 with the game-winner coming on another shot from 18 yards away.

Both teams amassed nine shots.  Rutgers held a 6-2 advantage in corners.

Each goalkeeper – Rutgers’ freshman David Greczek (Fairfield, N.J.) and Elon’s Dean – made four saves on the afternoon.

“It was a game of two halves,” said Rutgers head coach Dan Donigan.  “We had an opportunity to possibly add another goal or two in that first half.  In the second half, Elon turned it up and not being able to find that second or third goal when we had the chance hurt us.  They were able to come back and take the lead. We are disappointed with today’s result, but we’ll move on and prepare for Penn State and Akron at home next weekend.”

Bruccoleri and Corboz were both named to the Duke Soccer Classic All-Tournament Team.  While Bruccoler scored in Sunday's contest, Corboz, meanwhile, accounted for seven of Rutgers’ 20 shots against Elon and Duke.  He currently leads the Scarlet Knights in the category.

The Rutgers men’s soccer team returns home to Yurcak Field for five straight games starting with the 2013 home opener against Penn State on Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.  Schedule posters will be available to fans in attendance.  The Scarlet Knights also host Akron on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1:00 p.m.

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