Four different Gauchos scored as UCSB (4-0-0) shutout visiting Rutgers (2-2-0), 4-0, on Friday night in front of Fox Soccer Channel’s cameras at Meredith Field at Harder Stadium. The win marked the fourth straight for UCSB and third straight over a Big East program.
The Gauchos’ first strike came in the 18th minute when Rutgers goalkeeper Jake Grinkevich deflected a shot by Michael Nonni right into senior David Walker’s path. Walker slid the ball past Grinkevich to put the Gauchos ahead early, 1-0. The goal marked the fourth this season by Walker, surpassing his career-high of three goals last year.
It was less than 10 minutes later that the Gauchos struck again. Sophomore Waid Ibrahim’s corner kick was deflected by Grinkevich and then off the crossbar, landing in the box in front of sophomore Michael Tetteh, who kicked it in for the goal.
In the 38th minute, Tetteh crossed a corner kick to the box where senior Martin Hedevagwas waiting virtually unguarded. Hedevag headed the ball into the goal for his third goal of the season, tying his career-high total from 2008.
In the second half, the Gauchos tacked on one more goal in the 66th minute. Tetteh once again assisted, passing the ball into the box where Hedevag headed the ball to freshmanMichael Nonni, who then headed it into the Rutgers goal to put UCSB ahead, 4-0.
The Gauchos outshot Rutgers, 12-5 during the match with seven shots on-goal. The Scarlet Knights managed just two shots on-goal; both were saved by junior goalie Sam Hayden.
Grenkevich tallied three saves for Rutgers and Robbie McLarney lead the team with two shots. Five Gauchos got off two shots apiece in the win: Walker, Tetteh, Machael David,Danny Barrera and Nonni.
Friday’s match marked the first of two home UCSB home contests that will be televised by Fox Soccer Channel this season. FSC will return to Harder Stadium on Oct. 2 for the showdown with Indiana.
UCSB will be back in action on Sunday when its hosts Loyola Marymount at 6 pm at Meredith Field at Harder Stadium.
