The University of Rochester men's soccer team picked up its first win of the season, topping Rutgers-Newark 2-1 in overtime on day one of the UR Flower City Classic on Saturday.
 
Junior Michael Cross headed in the game winning goal in the 8th minute of overtime off a flicked header pass from sophomore Samuel Cekala.
 
The Yellowjackets (1-1) struggled to find an offensive groove in the first half, getting outshot by the visiting Scarlet Raiders 8-0.  Rutgers-Newark (1-2) generated the best chance in the opening 45 minutes when Anthony DiRisi received a pass straight on eight yards from the goal that was saved away by Marshal Davidson, UR's starting keeper, 11 minutes in.
 
With 12:30 left in the half, Davidson made another sprawling save, this time stopping the Scarlet Raiders' Charlie O'Connell.
 
Five minutes after the start of the second half, Rutgers-Newark nearly opened the scoring after Adrian Mayorga had an open net, but his shot after a strong cross from Chigozie Atubi sailed high of the cross bar.
 
The Yellowjackets then did break the scoreless draw in the 54th minute off a corner kick when Ben Swanger headed in a shot at the far post.  Milan Fatschel sent the corner into the box where Tyler Buck headed it to Swanger for the open net shot and UR's first goal of the season.
 
Less than four minutes later, Atubi would get the equalizer for Rutgers-Newark, chipping the ball to himself over Davidson's head for the tap in score.  Isaiah Kuris provided the lead pass for the Scarlet Raiders and picked up the assist.  In the minute before the goal, Kuris nearly scored himself, but his header after a free kick careened off the crossbar.
 
After the tying goal, Davidson was pulled for Redd Brown after getting some bumps and bruises from a collision earlier in the first half.  He finished the game with three saves, all coming in the first half.
 
With 8:15 remaining in regulation, a foul in the penalty box awarded the Yellowjackets a penalty shot.  Andrew Greenway stepped up, looking to give UR the lead, but Newark keeper Matt Broomall stood tall and saved away the opportunity.
 
Cross then nearly ended in regulation for UR, hitting the crossbar from a tough angle along the right wing with 1:37 left on the clock.
 
In the extra session, Rochester provided the only two shots, with the second one coming off the head of Cross into the net to end the contest.
 
In goal, Brown made one save, picking up the relief victory while Broomall made two saves in the loss for the Scarlet Raiders.
 
Rochester and Rutgers-Newark will play in day two of the Flower City Classic on Sunday with UR squaring off against Morrisville State and Rutgers-Newark playing SUNY Cortland.