RCSJ Gloucester women's soccer coach Megan Ruttler knows her team will eventually have some breakout moments -- but for now the Roadrunners are looking to bounce back from the growing pains all young teams experience.
Tuesday's 3-2 Region XIX loss to host Union County College proved to be another solid outing against a talented opponent that just fell shy in the scoring column, with Ruttler's team dropping a close decision.
The Runners quickly fell behind by a 3-0 count as the Owls received goals from three different players, including the eventual game-winner by Paige Junior.
Freshman Leigh Swietanski (West Deptford) put RCSJ on the scoreboard with a goal, assisted by Kayla Davila (Buena). Ave Buonpastore (Highland) then made it 3-2 on a goal also assisted by Davila.
But despite launching 12 shots on goal, the Runners would come no closer.
"We were pounding on their goalkeeper for awhile but we just couldn't catch up in time," said Ruttler, whose team fell to 1-5 overall. "Hopefully we're due soon for that breakout type of game."
Freshman goalkeeper Allison Gebhart kept the outcome close with 9 saves.
Next up will be a visit to GSAC and Region XIX opponent Brookdale on Saturday in a 12 noon start. That will conclude a six-game road trip for Ruttler's team against several top-tier opponents.
Game Preview
The Roadrunner women's soccer team will try and bounce back from a tough weekend in Maryland when they travel to Union County College today. The game is a key Region XIX and Garden State Athletic Conference match between two talented rivals.
The Roadrunners dropped a pair of non-conference games to Howard Community College and Anne Arundel CC in the Dragon Invitational on Saturday and Sunday, and face another key test today in Cranford, NJ. Coach Megan Ruttler's team fell to Union CC in the Region XIX playoffs in 2018.
Kickoff is at 3:30 pm.
GAME DAY INFORMATION
RCSJ-Gloucester at Union CC
September 17, 2019
3:30 pm
Hosted by:
Union County College
1033 Springfield Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016
Coaches:
Megan Ruttler, RCSJ Gloucester
Angie Correia, Union CC
Records:
Roadrunners: 1-4 overall, 1-0 region
Union CC: 3-0 overall, 0-0 region