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CAMDEN, N.J. -- Despite dominating possession throughout regulation, the eighth-ranked Captains were unable to connect in the first 90 minutes against New Jersey City University in the Cialella Soccer Classic, hosted by Rutgers-Camden. Less than five minutes into overtime, though, senior Ryan Balfour broke through for the game-winning strike, running CNU's season opening win streak to five. 

The Gothic Knights drop to 1-3-0 with the setback, while rookie goalkeeper John Riggs made a dozen saves during the Captains onslaught. CNU outshot NJCU by a final tally of 24-5, including a 13-2 edge in shots on-goal. 

Christopher Newport, now 5-0-0 to start the year, had several close calls in the second half, including a ball that looked like it got CNU on the board in the second half. Sophomore Andrew Gogolin blitzed past the defense with just over 32 minutes remaining in regulation and scored, but the goal was negated by an offsides call. 

Just over 15 minutes later, rookie Zachary Ballard connected on a header toward the right post, but Riggs made a sensational stop to keep the game scoreless. Then, as CNU pushed forward toward the end of regulation, defender Sean Christein blistered a shot that ricocheted off the left post.

Balfour took over in overtime, however, and made sure the Captains came out with a win. Early in the extra period, he took a shot toward the left post, but the NJCU keeper made another tremendous stop. In the 95th minute, Balfour would not be turned away again. The ball bounced into the box and came out to the senior forward near the left post, where he connected on a shot across the goal to the right side for the winner. 

He and leading scorer Patrick Burns led the constant attack on Riggs and the NJCU defense, combining for 11 total shots and eight on-goal. CNU was called offsides ten times as the offense continued to pressure the Gothic Knights back line, while their own defense limited New Jersey City to just five total shots, with just two on-goal. Senior goalkeeper Nolan Mann turned away both attempts to secure his third shutout of the season. 

The Captains will return to action on Sunday, September 13 to take on the host Scarlet Raptors at 4:00 pm.