#17 Rowan Women’s Soccer Takes Down #1 Messiah, 2-1

GLASSBORO, NJ  – Olivia Giordano’s goal midway through the second half  lifted #17 Rowan to a 2-1 upset of top-ranked Messiah in women’s soccer action as the Profs (9-1) handed the Falcons their first loss of the season. It marks the highest-ranked team ever beaten by Rowan.  

Rowan trailed at halftime, 1-0, before Elaina Corson tied the game at 48:20 with the first goal given up by Messiah (11-1) this season. Bella Clark and Giordano were credited with the assists as Corson knocked in the rebound from the save off a corner kick for her second goal of the year. 

In the 68th minute, Cali Sloan sent a looping ball down the field, which bounced over the head of Messiah keeper Ava Wert, with Giordano there to tap it in for her ninth goal of the year, and her sixth gamewinner.  

Messiah took the early lead at 25:05 on Mia Libby’s unassisted goal. 

Freshman goalkeeper Leah Edinger made five saves as she faced 11 shots by Messiah. 

The Profs are home again on Saturday when they resume conference play against William Paterson, with a 1 p.m. start.  

Merrick’s OT Goal Gives #20 Rowan Field Hockey a 4-3 Win over Lynchburg

GLASSBORO, NJ – Gracie Merrick scored two minutes into overtime to lift #20 Rowan over #20 (tie) Lynchburg, 4-3, in non-conference field hockey action to extend the Profs’ winning streak to four. Merrick’s sudden victory goal was her first gamewinner of the season and the third of her career, while also her first goal of the year.

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Game Preview & Key Matchups: Eagles vs Giants

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The NFC East rivalry between the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants never disappoints. 

Every season, this clash brings grit, history, and playoff implications. This time around, both teams enter the matchup with different storylines but one shared goal: to control the line of scrimmage and impose their will.

For bettors and fans alike, this Eagles vs Giants showdown promises plenty of intrigue, emotion, and value.

Setting the Stage

The Eagles come into this game as one of the NFC’s top contenders, built on balance, leadership, and continuity. Quarterback Jalen Hurts continues to evolve as both a passer and rusher, keeping defenses guessing with his dual-threat ability. His connection with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith remains one of the league’s most dangerous tandems.

The Giants, on the other hand, are still searching for consistency. Quarterback Jaxson Dart shows flashes of poise and athleticism, but the offense often struggles with protection and rhythm. 

With running back Cam Skattebo healthy and the defense showing improved aggression under coordinator Shane Bowen, the Giants have the tools to make this contest competitive.

However, when it comes to momentum, the edge leans heavily toward the Eagles. Their offensive line dominates the trenches, and their defensive front punishes opposing quarterbacks. 

If the Giants want to pull off an upset, they’ll need to play near-flawless football.

Historical Matchups & Where Games Were Won or Lost

The Philadelphia Eagles vs New York Giants rivalry stands among the most storied in the NFL, with decades of drama, clutch performances, and unforgettable moments. 

Historically, the Eagles hold the upper hand, especially in recent seasons, where Philadelphia’s dominance in the trenches and superior quarterback play have often dictated outcomes. 

The Giants, meanwhile, have thrived in games where they’ve controlled tempo and forced turnovers.

Many past contests reveal a clear theme: the line of scrimmage decides everything. When the Eagles’ offensive front establishes control, Jalen Hurts, or Donovan McNabb before him, has had the time and confidence to exploit mismatches downfield. 

Conversely, Giants wins often occur when their pass rush, historically led by Michael Strahan and Justin Tuck, successfully collapses the pocket and forces the Eagles into errors.

Turnovers have also shaped the narrative of this rivalry. The Giants’ 2016 win, for instance, hinged on two early interceptions, while the Eagles’ 2022 sweep showcased surgical efficiency and physical dominance. Big plays, whether DeSean Jackson’s “Miracle at the Meadowlands II” or Barkley’s breakaway runs, have repeatedly swung momentum.

Ultimately, success in this rivalry hinges on execution and poise. Whichever team imposes its style (power football or quick-strike explosiveness) usually walks away victorious.

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Rowan Football Falls in Double-Overtime Battle with #23 Christopher Newport, 49-41

GLASSBORO, NJ – #23 Christopher Newport needed two overtimes to defeat Rowan, 49-41, the NJAC football opener for both teams. It was the first loss of the season for Rowan and ruined a 310-yard passing effort from quarterback Nate Maiers and 449 yards of total offense for the Profs.

Rowan (2-1-1; 0-1)  took a 34-27 lead with 3:36 remaining whenMichael Zarfati went 23 yards on a reverse, but Christopher Newport (4-0; 1-0 NJAC)  put together a seven-play drive, culminating in a 14-yard run by quarterback Connor Barry, to tie the game with :41 to play.

The Profs opened overtime and scored a touchdown on their possession, as Maiers pushed it in from one yard out. CNU matched the score on a 20-yard pass from Barry.

CNU started the second overtime with a three-yard run by Gunner White, and converted the two-point conversion. On Rowan’s possession, the Profs drove to the eight, but CNU’s Noah Martin came up with an interception to seal the win.

Maiers completed 24 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed one in. Zarfati had two touchdowns on the day with five receptions for 99 yards. Jamir Rowe had three receptions for 64 yards and Nunes Bukula IV had five catches for 50 yards.

Christopher Newport scored on the game’s second play, while Carter Williams blocked the extra point. The Profs then rattled off 20 straight points as Maiers began the scoring by throwing a 13-yard touchdown to Luke Hoke, to give the Profs a 7-6 lead.

Greg Casimir then connected on back-to-back field goals, with one from 44 yards out at 5:58 and then a career-best 50-yarder two minute later to extend Rowan’s lead to 13-6. The kicker accounted for 10 points on the day.

Bukula scored on an eight-yard run at 11:06 of the second quarter to up the Profs’ lead to 20-6, capping off a five-play 56-yard drive.

The Captains began their comeback in the second quarter, scoring at 9:25 when Barry completed a three-yard pass to Ethan Barham, cutting the deficit to 20-13. CNU scored with two minutes left in the half to tie the game at 20-20, as Barry tossed a nine-yard pass to White.  

Zarfati scored his first touchdown of the game on a nine-yard reception at 8:30 of the third, and gave Rowan a 27-20 advantage.

The lead lasted until 12:26 remaining in regulation when Barry tossed an 80-yard touchdown pass to knot the game at 27-27.

Rowan will head north to rival Montclair State on Saturday, October 11 for the second annual “Breakfast Bowl”. The Profs captured last year’s trophy in the game that aims to raise awareness and funds to end food insecurity in New Jersey. Donation links will be available Monday morning on RowanAthletics.com.

#18 Rowan Women’s Soccer Defeats Rutgers-Camden, 2-0

GLASSBORO, NJ – Julianna Giordano and Sara Wiedeman supplied the goals as #18 Rowan shut out Rutgers-Camden, 2-0, in an NJAC women’s soccer contest, giving the Profs their fourth consecutive win.

Rowan (8-1; 3-0 NJAC) dominated offensively, taking 26 shots and holding Rutgers-Camden (1-5-3; 0-2) without a shot or a goal. Keeper Leah Edinger earned her fourth shutout of the season.

Giordano tallied her first goal of the season at 30:27, after taking a pass from Sophia Saladino.

The Profs maintained the 1-0 lead until 68:12 when Wiedeman connected on her fifth goal of the year, with Giordano picking up the assist.

Rowan will face a strong test on Wednesday when it hosts top-ranked Messiah at 5 p.m.  

Kowalczyk and Foti Score Two Each as #20 Rowan Field Hockey Wins at Messiah, 5-1

GRANTHAM, PA – Sydney Kowalczyk and Mia Foti recorded two goals each to lead #20 Rowan field hockey to a 5-1 win over Messiah, giving the Profs their third straight win as they improved to 7-3. 

Kowalczyk also had an assist to post a season-high record five points in the game while it was the first multiple-goal game of Foti’s career. 

Kowalczyk started things off with her team-best ninth goal of the season, scoring with less than two minutes left in the first quarter, with Tess Herman picking up the assist. 

Mia Foti upped the Rowan lead to 2-0 at 19:18 as she took a feed from Kowalczyk, for her third tally of the year. 

Messiah (3-6) got on the board in the second quarter on a goal from Ellie Lefever. Kowalczyk answered just three minutes later with her second, and 10th of the year, scoring off a pass from Gracie Merrick to give Rowan a 3-1 halftime lead. 

Just 27 seconds into the second half, freshman Sophia Weisler notched her first career goal as she took a pass from Aurelia McManis, to run the Profs’ lead to 4-1. 

Foti closed things out for Rowan with her second of the evening in the 46th minute as Taylor Prendergast was credited with the assist. 

Messiah held a slim 14-13 edge in shots, but senior goalie Mariah Juiliano made eight saves to limit the Falcons to one goal. 

Rowan returns home on Sunday to host #20 Lynchburg, the team it is tied with in the NFHCA Poll this week. Game time is noon at Coach Wackar Stadium. 

Troiano’s Two Goals Help #10 Rowan Men’s Soccer Over NJCU, 3-0

GLASSBORO, NJ – Johnny Troiano scored two goals and Ryan Cleary handed out three assists as #10 Rowan men’s soccer shut out New Jersey City, 3-0, in NJAC action this evening. The Profs are now 8-2-1 and 1-1 in the conference. 

Freshman C.J. Norton made three saves on the evening to record the shutout as the Profs held a commanding 17-4 advantage over NJCU (4-6-2; 1-1) in shots. 

It marked the fourth multiple-goal game of the year for Troiano, who leads the Profs and the NJAC this season with 11 goals. Cleary matched his career-high in assists, as he also handed out three this season against Salisbury. 

Troiano opened up the scoring in the 18th minute by netting one that originated on a corner kick and was set up by Jason Barragan and Cleary. 

Frank Onguene netted his first goal at as a Prof at 36:21. Cleary collected the ball in front after a corner kick and passed it back to Onguene, who connected from 12 yards out. 

Troiano closed it out in the second half in the 70th minute with his second, as Cleary was again responsible for the assist. 

The Profs are on the road on Saturday with a local trip to NJAC rival Rutgers-Camden for a 1 p.m. start.