Camden, NJ … The College of New Jersey men's soccer team fell 3-0 on the road to Rutgers University-Camden in New Jersey Athletic Conference action on Thursday night.
 
The Scarlet Raptors (9-6, 5-1 NJAC), who finished national runner-up a year ago, registered a goal in the first half and two in the second period en route to their ninth win and fourth shutout of the season.
 
The Lions fell to 5-8-2 overall in 2014 and 1-5 in the conference.
 
Play was even through the majority of the opening period. At the 34:03 mark of the match, Clayton Taylor headed home a throw-in from Joel Auleta to give the Scarlet Raptors a 1-0 lead. TCNJ junior Ryan Sullivan (Hillsborough, NJ/Immaculata) had a chance at the equalizer in the final minute of the opening period, but his header sailed high over the crossbar.
 
The Lions put some pressure on early in the second half as Domenic Polidoro (Monroe, NJ/Monroe) delivered a shot on net that was saved by RUC goalkeeper Sean Matias. Minutes later sophomore Sean Etheridge (Oakland, NJ/Ramapo) ripped a shot that went high.
 
But the Scarlet Raptors were awarded a penalty kick and junior Mike Ryan converted to push the lead to 2-0. It was his ninth goal of the season.
 
Junior midfielder Connor Huff capped the scoring in the 76^th minute. He jumped on a loose ball and sealed the victory with his fourth tally of the year.
 
TCNJ sophomore goalkeeper Jake Nesteruk (Doylestown, PA/Central Bucks East) finished with five saves in the game. Matias made two stops for his fourth shutout.
 
The Lions return home to host Ramapo College on Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at TCNJ's Soccer Complex.