Michigan surrenders early lead, draws with Rutgers 1-1

It was a very eventful minute. 

Thirteen minutes into its match against Rutgers, the No. 25 Michigan men’s soccer team struck gold. Junior forward Oliver Martin made a run into the box, poked a well-timed ground ball from graduate forward Beto Soto into the back of the net and gave the Wolverines an early lead. 

But just a minute later, the Scarlet Knights roared back, as midfielder Nestor Cabrera unleashed a shot from deep for the equalizer. Michigan (5-0-4 overall, 1-0-3 Big Ten) ultimately drew 1-1 with Rutgers (3-5-2 overall, 0-2-1 Big Ten), failing to capitalize on its early advantage. 

“I think we started the first 15 minutes really well,” Wolverines coach Chaka Daley said. “We were rewarded with a really good goal, well timed. I thought we then relaxed, and that’s happened two or three games in a row.”

Played in the New Jersey rain, the match opened on a choppy note. The Scarlet Knights won early set pieces, earning three corners and a free kick, but they failed to convert them into chances. However, they forced Michigan sophomore goalkeeper Isaiah Goldson to make several early saves. 

That said, the Wolverines were able to generate their own share of offensive output — earning three throw-ins, working men into the box and putting a shot from sophomore midfielder Joao Paulo Ramos. Martin’s goal, the product of a well-worked team move, was well-earned, and reflected Michigan’s offensive capabilities. 

“In the last couple games, Martin’s come on as a sub off the bench in the second half, and he’s brought really good energy to the team,” Daley said. “He’s athletic, he offers a threat in behind, and he scored two goals this year, one against Bowling Green, one against Rutgers.”

But Michigan’s advantage was fleeting. 

After scoring first, the Wolverines took a more subdued approach, adopting a low block with eight players in their half and allowing the Scarlet Knights a chance to counter-attack. It was an error that proved fatal — Cabrera unleashed from deep, and Michigan’s lead washed away nearly as quickly as it had been acquired. 

This level of caution was reflected in the Wolverines’ play throughout the half. Rutgers enjoyed the lion’s share of the scoring opportunities, outshooting Michigan 13-2 after the initial exchange. 

The second half was slightly more favorable to the Wolverines, as they registered five shots to the Scarlet Knights’ three, but they still came up short when it came to breaking the deadlock. Despite spurts of promise, a mixture of ineffective finishing and an overtly reserved approach to the first half cost Michigan a potential victory.

“We got a point on the road, which is always, always tough to do in our league, regardless of your record,” Daley said. “Going to any of these places away from home is very, very challenging (thanks to the) environments and the weather, plus being away from home or on the West Coast one week and on the East Coast the next. So, kudos to our guys for for grinding it out and finding a way.”

But in spite of that sentiment, and the few moments of magic the Wolverines conjured up, it was still the sort of evening that left Michigan wanting more. 

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