Coming off a thrilling Ivy League Tournament Championship last year, men’s soccer (0–0 overall, 0–0 Ivy League) faces off against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3–0–1 overall, 0–0 Big Ten) on Friday night at Myslik Field at Roberts Stadium. The Tigers return nearly all their starters from the year before, including star senior forward Danny Ittycheria, who was drafted to the MLS last year.
The Scarlet Knights have had plenty of time to knock the rust off, with four games played to the Tigers’ zero. However, the Orange and Black will have revenge on the mind, looking to avenge last year’s 3–1 loss in Piscataway.
Princeton 3, Rutgers 2 — Harrison Blank, Head Sports Editor
The Tigers scored six goals in their last two Ivy League games before falling scoreless to Akron in the NCAA Tournament. Expect the high-powered Princeton offense to get back on track Friday night in front of the home crowd.
Senior midfielder Jack Jasinski will have two assists, the first to Ittycheria when the Tigers score first within twenty minutes of kick off. The Scarlet Knights won’t back down, and their offense, which has scored 11 goals in four games, responds quickly.
In a physical, spirited battle that is sure to see pushing, shoving, and a few yellow cards, the Route 1 rivals will trade goals. As the time ticks down, the Tiger back line, anchored by senior defender Giuliano Fravolini Whitchurch, will stifle any late chances from the away team.
The Tigers will surge ahead in the final minutes to grab their first victory. Keep an eye on junior forwards Ian Nuñez and Kevin Kelley to produce a final scoring opportunity to seal the deal.
Rutgers 2, Princeton 0 — Joe Uglialoro, Assistant Sports Editor
Though the men’s soccer team made a late run to the Ivy League Tournament last year, they have consistently failed to meet the moment when pitted against power-conference opponents. After a 3–1 defeat at the hands of the Scarlet Knights last year, expect more of the same as Rutgers makes the trip to Princeton.
This team is not without promise — that much is clear. The Tigers performed excellently down the stretch last year, shutting down higher-ranked Ivy League foes en route to a conference tournament title. However, they went out with a whimper when confronted by Akron in the NCAA Tournament, generating only seven shots while allowing 27 in a 1–0 defeat. Success for the Tigers this season will hinge upon outdoing last year’s offensive output in big moments like these.
Historically, the Tigers have fared poorly against Rutgers. In four meetings dating back to 2021, they have lost twice, won once, and secured a tie. Perhaps they can take solace in the fact that their one win came here on Myslik Field in the last home matchup between the two.
Princeton 0, Rutgers 0 — Alex Beverton-Smith, Head Sports Editor
Despite the star talent in Princeton’s team — such as Ittycheria, Kelley, and Jasinski — the night seems bound to end in a cagey affair between the two teams.
Historically, the Tigers have been on the worse side of the matchup in recent years but this time around neither team will be able to break through the other’s defense on a warm night at Myslik Field. Rutgers has proven to be a strong opponent, but coming off the heels of an Ivy League Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance, the Tigers will be able to hold them at bay.
The Scarlet Knights already have a few matches under their belt, however, so Princeton will have to be solid from the start and show the same defensive prowess that served them well last season.
Harrison Blank is a head Sports editor for the ‘Prince.’
Alex Beverton-Smith is a head Sports editor for the ‘Prince.’
Joe Uglialoro is an assistant Sports editor for the ‘Prince.’
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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