Men’s Soccer Team Fall in Second Round of NCAA Tournament

By Steven Abalo

The Men’s Soccer team headed to Babson College for the first two NCAA national championship rounds this past weekend. With hopes really high the Raiders had one goal in mind which was to play there hardest and try to come home with two victories. Unfortunately, the Raiders lost in second round to SUNY Cortland 2-1 after having beaten Babson College in the first round 2-0.

Senior forward Raphael Araujo said, “Playing this weekend at the NCAA national championship was an amazing experience, even though we lost we came home with our heads up high because we played our very hardest until the final whistle and we never gave up. The game was a tight one and could have gone both ways; sadly we came out on the losing side.”

Junior defenseman Paul Tarnawski added, “We had a great season, and I’m proud of my team. Even though we lost in the second round, we fought all the way to the last second and gave it our all. We made it farther than last year, and our expectations will only grow for next season.”

And the record breaking Raiders were able to do it again in the NCAA. After making it for the first time to the NCAA last year this year the Raiders made history getting the first program win in the national tournament. For many seniors including Araujo it was the last time they will wear the Rutgers jersey.

“Playing my last game with Rutgers was sad but I’m very proud of everything I have accomplished personally and with my team.” Araujo said, “We made history and I’m very thankful for having the opportunity to play for this great program with irreplaceable teammates.”

The seniors carried a big part of the weight this year coming through with exceptional qualities that helped the team finish an outstanding season.

Tarnawski said, “I also want to thank our seniors for playing their hearts out this season. They will truly be missed.”

And like Tarnawski and the rest of his teammates everyone will have to step up next season to be able to once again make the record books and achieve the unachievable by the Scarlet Raiders.