PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The 2016 Rutgers men’s soccer schedule has been unveiled with the Scarlet Knights taking on seven teams that advanced to the NCAA Tournament, seven squads featured in the top 25 of the final NSCAA Poll, 13 contests against top-100 RPI opponents and 10 games played at home at Yurcak Field.

"This year’s schedule is probably the most difficult schedule that we have put together since arriving at Rutgers and one of the toughest I have ever had as a head coach in all my years,” said head coach Dan Donigan. “We play in one of the best conferences in the country, so those matches alone make our schedule difficult, but we also have nonconference matches with a number of formidable opponents and many coming off NCAA Tournament appearances. The caliber of almost all our matches will have post season flavor each time we step onto the field.”

Rutgers will have a trio of exhibition contests before officially kicking off the 2016 slate. RU will host Monmouth (Aug. 13) and Rider (Aug. 16) and close out preseason play at UConn (Aug. 20).

The Scarlet Knights open the 2016 season meeting four consecutive squads coming off NCAA Tournament appearances and featured in the final NSCAA Top 25. RU kicks off the year at home with NCAA quarterfinalist Creighton (Aug. 26) and welcomes Denver (Aug. 28), the only team to reach the NCAA Tournament with an unbeaten record.

RU follows with a three-game road trip which includes match-ups with a pair of NCAA second round opponents and the start of the Big Ten slate. The Scarlet Knights travel to South Carolina (Sept. 2) and Charlotte (Sept. 4). Conference play begins when Rutgers travels to Michigan State (Sept. 9), a game which will air on BTN.

NCAA quarterfinalist and Big Ten Champion Maryland will serve as the Big Ten home opener (Sept. 13), also airing on BTN.

Conference play continues at Ohio State (Sept. 18) followed by a home contest with Indiana (Sept. 23). The month of September closes with a home date against Florida Gulf Coast (Sept. 27).

October begins with a road game at Wisconsin (Oct. 1) before the Scarlet Knights return home to Yurcak Field to begin a four-game homestand. The homestand begins with Michigan (Oct. 7) and continues with in-state rival Princeton (Oct. 11), Northwestern (Oct. 14) and another in-state rival in NJIT (Oct. 18).   

RU heads to Penn State (Oct. 21) for the Big Ten regular season finale and hosts Columbia (Oct. 25) in its final regular season home game. The regular season closes with a road game at Bradley (Oct. 28).

The Big Ten Tournament, held at campus sits with the top four seeds hosting, will be played Nov. 5-14.

“Now that the schedule is complete, it's all about preparation and maintaining health throughout the season so we can be ready to compete at what will need to be a very high level,” added Donigan. “Our players have worked very hard over the winter and spring months. This season will certainly be one of the most challenging seasons on paper and on the field. I know I am excited for this coming season as every coach is, and I am excited for the opportunities we have with these matches.”

The Scarlet Knights finished the 2015 campaign at 12-7-2, capturing the most wins since 2001 and the most shutouts (8) since 1998. RU finished the season ranked No. 25 by the NSCAA and College Soccer News and made its 17^th NCAA Tournament with an at-large bid. The Scarlet Knights advanced to the NCAA Second Round for the 10^th time in program history. Rutgers returns 22 letterwinners including Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Jason Wright (Kingston, Jamaica), Second Team All-Big Ten goalkeeper David Greczek (Fairfield, N.J.) and Big Ten All-Freshman Team honoree, Brian Hawkins (Chesterfield, N.J.).

Season ticket and promotional information will be available later this summer.

Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersMensSoccer) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/RUMensSoccer) for all of the latest news and updates. Fans also receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on both social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.

 

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