UNION — Rutgers-Camden dictated the pace from the opening whistle, putting Kean University under sustained pressure before earning a 1-0 NJAC victory over the Cougars on senior night at Alumni Stadium.
Kean goalkeeper Brooke Ginsberg kept the deficit to one with five saves, repeatedly denying the Scarlet Raptors as they looked to build on their first-half lead. Rutgers-Camden finished with an 18-5 advantage in shots, including six attempts on target, while limiting the Cougars to two shots in the opening 45 minutes.
The Scarlet Raptors threatened early and forced Ginsberg into action several times before finding the breakthrough in the 31st minute. Gianna Simon finished a pass from Ava Stowell to put Rutgers-Camden ahead 1-0.
Kean struggled to establish an attacking rhythm in the first half as Rutgers-Camden continued to control possession and create chances. Ella Petrosh registered an attempt in the 41st minute, but the Cougars went into halftime trailing by one after being outshot 12-2.
Kean showed more attacking intent after the break, looking to find a way back into the contest. Petrosh and Elizabeth Reisbord each tested Rutgers-Camden goalkeeper Giselle Lizardi, but both efforts were turned away as the Scarlet Raptors protected their advantage.
Ginsberg’s work in goal proved vital in keeping Kean within reach of an equalizer. Despite the visitors’ significant advantage in chances, the Cougars remained one goal behind heading into the closing stages. Rutgers-Camden ultimately held on to secure the conference victory and a clean sheet.
The match also brought former Kean soccer players back to Alumni Stadium for senior night. Alumni gathered to support the Cougars and were recognized on the pitch at halftime, adding to the occasion for the program.
Petrosh led Kean with two shots, while Ginsberg finished with five saves. Cadence Serrano led Rutgers-Camden with four shots, and Lizardi made two saves to preserve the clean sheet.
The result moves Kean to (6-6-1) overall and (1-3) in NJAC play, while Rutgers-Camden improves to (7-1-3) overall and (3-1) in conference action.
Kean will look to bounce back Wednesday, Oct. 14, when it travels to face Stockton. Rutgers-Camden will also return to action Wednesday, hosting Ramapo at 7 p.m. in its next conference matchup.
