SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Senior Lars Muller scored in the 93rd minute, clinching a 2-1 victory for the SU men's soccer team (9-3-0, 2-1-0 BIG EAST) against Rutgers (5-4-0, 1-2-0 BIG EAST) on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the SU Soccer Stadium. With its ninth win of the season, the Orange has now won the most games in a season since 1999, when SU finished 11-9-0.
"It's important to show toughness as a group," said SU head coach Ian McIntyre. "Not a lot separates BIG EAST teams, so to come back from the late [Rutgers] goal was very pleasing tonight."
Syracuse first captured the lead in the 28th minute when a corner kick from Jordan Murrell found the soaring Jordan Vale, who headed it into the back of the net for his fifth goal of the season.
The Orange used superb defense to keep the one-goal advantage for the majority of the match, as SU allowed zero Scarlet Knight shots heading into halftime.
RU was able to break through, however, in the 76th minute on a set piece from Mael Corboz. Corboz sent a high ball into the box 30 yards from the goal, and Kene Eze headed it home for the equalizer.
Both teams continued to press the issue, with neither side finding a goal in the remaining minutes of regulation, forcing SU's first overtime match of the season.
Syracuse was aggressive early in the extra session, and Murrell tallied another assist when his corner kick opportunity in the 93rd minute found Muller, who placed it well past Rutgers goalkeeper Kevin McMullen for the game-winner.
Rookie goalkeeper Alex Bono secured his eighth win of the season, and recorded three saves. McMullen grabbed six saves for the Scarlet Knights.
SU outshot Rugers, 12-5, including a 2-0 edge in the overtime session. The Orange held a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks.
The Orange returns to the pitch on Saturday, Oct. 6 against Louisville. Match time is set for 7 p.m. at the SU Soccer Stadium.
Match Notes: The Orange breaks a five-game winless streak in overtime matches … The two BIG EAST victories this season matc the most in a season since 2009 … Murrell's two assists is a career high for helpers in a game … Syracuse has won seven out of its last nine matches.
