Zalinsky Records First Career Goal as Men’s Soccer Falls to Creighton

OMAHA, Neb. – The Rutgers men’s soccer team (1-1-0) fell to Creighton (2-0-0) on the road, 6-1, on Sunday night to complete the team’s opening weekend. Sophomore Joseph Zalinsky scored the lone goal for the Scarlet Knights for the first points of his career.  

The two teams battled early, trading possessions in each other’s defensive zones. Nico Rosamilia and MD Myers tag-teamed for an early opportunity resulting in a shot on goal. Shortly after, Creighton took the ball down the other way for the first score of the game in the fourth minute.  

The Bluejays continued to keep the pressure on, but the RU backline stood strong, allowing just one shot on goal through the middle of the first half. In the 27th minute, Pablo Avila had a promising look, crossing the ball in front of the opposition’s goal, but couldn’t connect. Less than a minute later, Zalinsky followed up with a header off a set piece but could not get it past the Jays’ keeper.  

Creighton continued to attack as well, scoring two more goals before the end of the first half to take the 3-0 edge.  

Just under 10 minutes into the second half, Joey Zalinsky connected off a pass from Matthew Acosta for his first career goal and to cut the Jays’ deficit, 3-1. However, the Bluejays fired back shortly after, adding three goals to secure the 6-1 decision.  

 

55′ | Joey Zalinsky cashes in for his first career goal!!

Creighton 3, Rutgers 1

🎥 https://t.co/1rkGlRWaNt

📻 https://t.co/Esfpd5Koxi

📊 https://t.co/4jfwvBvudc#GoRU | #RUMS pic.twitter.com/01Hj16e4HF

— Rutgers Men’s Soccer (@RUMensSoccer) August 29, 2022

Game Notes 

• Zalinsky recorded the first goal and points of his career against Creighton, scoring in the 55th minute of action. The sophomore defender totaled nine shots during his freshman year. He also scored the first goal of the season on the Bluejays.
• Rosamilia led RU with three shots, including one on goal. In addition to Zalinsky, Myers also put a shot on goal.  
• In his season debut, goalkeeper Aurie Briscoe made five saves in net.  
• 23 players saw action against the Jays as Briscoe (90) and Thomas DeVizio (70) led the squad on the pitch.  

The Scarlet Knights will welcome Princeton to Yurcak Field for their home opener on Sept. 2 for a 7 p.m. contest. 

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