It didn't start too pleasantly for the Roadrunner Men's Soccer teams -- but it certainly ended in grand fashion!

That's because the Runners -- despite falling behind at the outset on a Donato Diaz goal for RCSJ Cumberland -- roared back quickly to grab a 4-2 decision to bring home the Derby Shield in the annual match between the two schools at Rowan University. The winner brings home the Derrby Shield  in an annual tradition!

Newcomer Braedin Jacobson tied it up at 1-1 with an unassisted goal followed by another unassisted score by teammate Christian Romeo moments later for a 2-1 lead. As time expired in the first half, Justin Lewis tapped in another unassisted goal for an unlikely 3-1 halftime lead.

Sophomore Matt Lillia finished it with a quick unassisted goal to start the second half for a commanding 4-1 lead -- and the Runners were home free in claiming the key triumph. The Dukes' Rene Bargan then closed out the scoring with a penalty kick goal at 77:00 minutes for the final 4-2 score.

Roadrunner goalkeeper Kevin Wall kept the Dukes in check with several eye-opening saves, allowing the Runners to improve to 1-0 in the 2025 campaign.

The season-opening win was also the first for new head coach Craig Wicken, whose team happily celebrated the Derby Shield triumph following the match.

"This was just totally awesome to win the Shield and to help Coach Wicken get his first win," said Lillia, a standout from Buena High School. "Great way to start the season!

Next up for the Runners will be an away match at Montgomery County College (PA) on August 28th in a 3:30 pm start.