PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The St. John’s University men battled Big Ten foe Rutgers University to a 2-2 draw, courtesy of a two-goal performance from Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau on Monday night.
After missing significant time due to injury over his first three seasons with the Red Storm, the redshirt junior broke through for his first collegiate goal in the 31st minute, followed by a crucial late-game equalizer in the 84th minute.
Max McNulty recorded a point for the second consecutive game with his assist on the goal while Antonio Biggs added an assist. Connor Mucchetti also registered his first assist of the season, flicking the primary pass for Fleuriau Chateau to complete the brace.
St. John’s (1-0-1) and Rutgers (0-1-1) were in a defensive battle through the opening 10 minutes with neither team allowing a shot. The Scarlet Knights struck first after a foul was drawn in the box and forced a penalty kick. Rutgers’ Curt Calov went high right and put it home for a 1-0 lead.
The Red Storm turned on the pressure, forcing play into its attacking third for the better part of the next 25 minutes. In the 31st minute, the Johnnies broke through on a Rutgers error. Biggs headed a poor pass from the Scarlet Knights’ defender toward a streaking McNulty. The English striker tapped a pass to Fleuriau Chateau and he ripped a left-footed shot past the goalkeeper for his first of the season, tying the game, 1-1.
Rutgers broke through early in the second half on a low shot from Jackson Temple in the 51st minute, to regain a 2-1 edge.
The Red Storm quickly tried to retaliate as Josh Elliott surged on a deep pass in the box before his shot was deflected on net. The consistent pressure by the Johnnies wore down Rutgers and allowed them to capitalize.
With under six minutes remaining, Biggs and Mucchetti connected on an initial pass before a header floated to Fleuriau Chateau at midfield. The Red Storm’s striker took off to the races. The Ottawa, Ontario native cut inside on his defender before firing a strike past the keeper for the equalizer.
St. John’s will make its 2023 home debut at Belson Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m. against Monmouth University.
