JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The New Jersey City University men's soccer team opened home play today, Wednesday, March 17, for its truncated 2020-21 season. NJCU dropped the match 2-0 against New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) foe Rutgers-Camden on Robert L. McNulty Memorial Soccer Field at the Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex in a highlight-contested contest.

The Gothic Knights (0-2, 0-2 NJAC) saw senior keeper Aldahir Cazun (Jersey City, N.J./William L. Dickinson) make the start in net for the first time this season. The 6-foot netminder made four saves on the day, including a pair early in in the first half against the Scarlet Raptors (1-1-1, 1-1-1 NJAC). However, Rutgers-Camden was able to break through in the 31st minute when a through-ball found the open man in front of the net to make it 1-0. The final 14 minutes of the first half went scoreless and shotless for both squads as the Scarlet Raptors took the lead into the break.

Half number two started off with a lot of excitement. In the 57th minute the Scarlet Raptors took a quick shot on goal, which was stopped by Cazun. The rebound was immediately put back seconds later and sent right on net, but the Gothic Knights' were able to notch a team save — senior Nelson Segovia (North Bergen, N.J./North Bergen) — to keep the ball out of the net for the time being. Unfortunately, Rutgers-Camden was able to get on the board once again in the 59th minute when Cazun made the initial save, but the rebound was put in the back of the net to make it 2-0.

Trailing by two late in the half, NJCU was able to get its first two on-target attempts of the afternoon with hopes of trimming the deficit. Freshman Gabe Cruz (Colonia, N.J./Colonia) had the first shot on goal, but it was stopped by the Rutgers-Camden keeper. However, the next chance of the day for the Gothic Knights was the best chance for them, as freshman Jhonatan Giron (North Bergen, N.J./North Bergen) ripped a shot to the upper left corner in the 81st minute, but a diving, outstretched save was made by the Scarlet Raptors' keeper maintained the shutout. That would be the final attempt on either side for the remainder of the match.

Up Next:
NJCU returns to the pitch for another road NJAC match this Saturday, March 20, in Mahwah, N.J., against Ramapo College. Follow all the action against the Roadrunners live via stats and video.