GLASSBORO, NJ -
Luca Ercolano's second-half goal lifted second-seeded Rowan past third-seeded TCNJ, 1-0, in the NJAC Men's Soccer Semifinals sending the Profs into the conference title game at top-seeded Montclair State on Friday at 7 p.m.
Rowan (13-1-3), ranked 13th in the latest national poll, is seeking its third straight NJAC Championship, a feat that hasn't been accomplished since 2013 when Rutgers-Camden won three in a row. It will mark Rowan's seventh consecutive appearance in the title match, which is the longest streak in conference history.
Ercolano's goal came at 54:38 and started when the Profs controlled the ball outside the box and
Evan Vilaboy pushed it to Ercolano. The freshman dribbled to the right and sent a shot into the left side of the net for his third goal of the year and his first career gamewinner to hand the Lions (9-1-9) their first loss.
TCNJ applied the pressure offensively when trailing and Rowan keeper
Mike Moore needed to make three saves in the final 15 minutes. Moore finished the match with four saves while posting his ninth solo shutout of the year.
The teams played an even first half with each getting one good scoring chance. Rowan's best opportunity came when a shot by
Luke McNamee hit the post in the 30th minute.
TCNJ's opportunity was a close-range shot by Matt Will in the 35th minute that was saved by Moore.
Rowan held a 15-9 advantage in shots and TCNJ's Sean Najdzinowicz made three saves.
Tickets for the NJAC Final will go on sale on Wednesday (11/4) at noon and can be purchased at: NJACSports.com/tickets. Tickets are digital only - no cash will be accepted. No season passes will be accepted.
