Muller Lifts SU Past Rutgers in OT

Score By Period	1st	2nd	OT	Final
Rutgers	0	1	0	1
Syracuse	1	0	1	2
Box Score \| Photos \| Highlights \| Interviews Oct. 3, 2012 \| SU Soccer Stadium / Syracuse, N.Y. \| Attendance: 1,026

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Senior Lars Muller scored 2:06 into overtime to clinch a 2-1 victory for the SU men's soccer team (9-3-0, 2-1-0 BIG EAST) against Rutgers (5-4-0, 1-2-0 BIG EAST) Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the SU Soccer Stadium. It was SU's ninth win of the season, the team's most since 1999 (11-9-0).

"It's important to show toughness as a group," said SU head coach Ian McIntyre. "Not a lot separates BIG EAST teams, so to come back from the late (Rutgers) goal was very pleasing tonight."

Syracuse first captured the lead in the 28th minute when a corner kick from Jordan Murrell found the soaring Jordan Vale, who headed the ball into the back of the net for his fifth goal of the season and a 1-0 advantage.

Following Vale's goal, SU benefitted from superb defense to keep the one-goal advantage for the majority of the match. The Orange did not allow a shot in the first half. It wasn't until Mael Corboz tested goalie Alex Bono at the 51:45 mark did the Scarlet Knights record a shot attempt.

RU was able to break through, however, in the 76th minute on a set piece. After an Orange foul, Corboz sent a free kick from 30 yards out into the box where it was headed home by Kene Eze for the equalizer.

Neither side found the goal again in regulation and the match progressed to overtime, a first for the Orange this season.

Syracuse was aggressive early in the extra session. A shot by Louis Clark 1:20 into the period was turned away by Rutgers goalie Kevin McMullen. Several seconds later the Orange earned a corner kick and Murrell tallied another assist when his serve connected with Muller, whose well-placed header sailed past McMullen for the winner.

Bono recorded three saves to secure his eighth win of the season. McMullen stopped six shots for the Scarlet Knights.

SU outshot Rutgers 12-5 in the match, including a 2-0 edge in the overtime session.

Syracuse returns to the pitch on Saturday, Oct. 6 against Louisville. Match time is set for 7 p.m. at the SU Soccer Stadium. Admission is free.

Match Notes: The victory snapped SU's five-match winless streak in overtime games … Murrell's two assists were a career high … It was the Orange's first home win against Rutgers since 2004 ... With the victory, Syracuse assured itself of finishing the regular season with a winning record.

Syracuse University Athletics

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