Clark, NJ - The UCNJ Owls Men’s Soccer team started their season with a 3-1 victory against Rowan College of South Jersey- Cumberland Dukes.  

The Owls started off strong with pressure on the Dukes with sophomores Thomas Matthews, Jayson Freeman, Pablo Corte, and Carlos Hidalgo keeping the back line of the Dukes on their heels. Then, 15 minutes into the game a cross from Jayson Freeman led to the opening goal of the match by Thomas Matthews. The Owls would go into the half controlling most of the field and a goal.

To start the second half, the Dukes came out firing with Donato Diaz slipping a goal past the Owls with an assist from Allan Lopez. Afterwards, 15 minutes later, the Owls would push up the field with Pablo Corte crossing the ball into Jayson Freeman who got past the keeper to push the Owls back ahead 2-1. 

 
Later in the half, Thomas Matthews would collect the ball near midfield and push the ball forward and blast the ball from behind the penalty box area and right over the reach of the Dukes goal keeper to push the lead to 3-1 for the Owls.

With 3 minutes left in the game Owls goalkeeper, Marvin Guerrero would make a game changing save on a penalty shot to keep the Owls lead at 3-1 and hold off the Dukes to finish the game.