.png&width=24&type=webp)
Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Rutgers
Sternberger's OT Goal Wins It For Rutgers Over Tigers in Men's Soccer, 1-0
September 20, 2006 | Men's Soccer
Princeton had a couple great chances to get its first win over Rutgers in men's soccer since 1994, including one when the Tigers were a man down. But for the second straight game, the Scarlet Knights had some overtime heroics.
Adam Sternberger was the hero for Rutgers against the Tigers at Yurcak Field Wednesday night, heading in a pass from Sean Cameron with just more than minute left in the first overtime, giving the Scarlet Knights a 1-0 win in the 52nd meeting between two of college soccer's oldest rivals.
Rutgers (3-5) had defeated Georgetown in overtime three days ago, but Princeton (3-2-2) nearly walked away from Yurcak Field with its own overtime win.
The Tigers' first chance in overtime came midway through the period, when Princeton earned its first corner kick of the game. Kyle McHugh's corner was right on target to the head of Jame Wunsch, but Rutgers goalie Matt Vanoekel was there for the save.
Less than two minutes later, the Tigers had another opportunity, despite losing junior midfielder Dan Cummins to a second yellow card just a few seconds earlier. Wunsch gained possession deep in his own end and found Devin Muntz near midfield. Muntz then carried the ball and fired a left-footed shot toward the crossbar, but Vanoekel dove to his right to punch the ball over the bar.
Rutgers gained possession near midfield with less than two minutes left in the period. Cameron carried the ball down the right side before sending a looping pass toward Sternberger, who redirected a header into the right side of the net for the golden goal.
Though Princeton was outshot 16-9, both teams had several terrific chances in the scoreless regulation 90 minutes. Wunsch got his foot on a nice cross from Ben Harms with six minutes left in the second half but sent the ball high, while Rutgers' Joey Sorrentino was alone in front after a long throw-in two minutes earlier only to have Princeton goalie Justin Oppenheimer make a stop.
With 11 minutes left, Vanoekel was forced way out of goal on a loose-ball situation, but he redirected a long shot attempt away from the box to keep the game scoreless into the final minutes.
Oppenheimer made six saves for the Tigers, including one on Adam Lloyd in overtime.
Rutgers is now 8-0-3 against Princeton since the 1995 season. The teams have played every year but one since 1957.
Princeton opens Ivy League play Saturday aftrernoon at Yale (4:30 p.m.).
NOTE: Wednesday's game was televised by Patriot 8 and will be broadcast at 9 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 21.