EWING, N.J.- The TCNJ men's soccer team ended their 2023 campaign on a high note, earning a 2-1 victory on Senior Night against Rutgers-Camden on Wednesday night. During halftime, the Lions recognized seniors Luke Pascarella, Dante Bettino and Julian Franco for their years of dedication to the program both on and off the field.

The Lions (4-12-2, 2-6-1) scored the first two goals and held on behind an eight save effort from Franco for a win against the Scarlet Raptors (8-7-3, 3-4-2), who are set to compete in the NJAC tournament this weekend.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Franco was solid from the jump, as he had four saves in the first half. The best chance of the half for the Scarlet Raptors came in the first four minutes as Franco made a great sliding stop to extinguish a great Rutgers-Camden opportunity.
• The Lions struck first in the 19^th minute on a Matias Hornos shot that snuck into the bottom left corner of the net. J.J. Zaun sent a pass from left to right that was cutoff by a Scarlet Raptor defender. After an errant touch, Hornos settled and sent a rip to put the Lions ahead.
• TCNJ extended their lead in the 61st minute when Massimo Rodio made a skillful pass to Chris Meder during a counter-attack. Meder then curved the ball just inside the right post, putting TCNJ ahead 2-0.
• In the 81^st, the Scarlet Raptors cut the deficit to just one on a fight for possession near the crease that was settled by a Rutgers-Camden player and shot past Franco. TCNJ held it down for the last nine to secure the victory in the season finale.

 
NOTES:

• Meder ended the season on a strong note, scoring in two out of the last three games. The assist from Rodio was his second of the season. 
• Hornos netted his second goal of the season on Wednesday night.
• Franco finished his career 6^th on the all-time saves list at TCNJ with 245 in his time with the Lions.
• Bettino concludes his career with 17 total points from the back line while logging nearly 4000 minutes in his 43 career starts.
• Pascarella finishes at TCNJ with 13 goals and seven assists in his forty starts to go with two All-NJAC selections.