Abubaker Mayanja and Pius Ssebulime Inspire Rutgers Men’s Soccer To Victory

Ugandans Abubaker Mayanja and Pius Ssebulime were on form as Rutgers Men’s Soccer secured an impressive 2-0 victory over No.11 ranked Princeton Tigers at Yurcak Field in Piscataway, New Jersey.

 

The duo features for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, who compete in the Big Ten Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I in the United States.

 

It was lethal striker Abubaker Mayanja who broke the deadlock in the 11th minute.

 

The Ugandan latched onto a well-weighted assist from Braxton Montgomery inside the box, beat his marker with a clever trick, and fired home a beauty.

 

The strike marked Mayanja’s first in his start in four games for the Scarlet Knights this season.

 

Furthermore, the forward popularly known as the “Goal Poacher” was a constant threat, registering four shots on target.

Striker Abubaker Mayanja celebrating his goal
Courtesy Photo

 

“It’s really amazing and this motivates me to keep pushing and scoring goals,” Mayanja told Sports256 Media after the game.

 

For the second goal, fellow Ugandan midfielder Pius Ssebulime was instrumental in the build-up.

 

Additionally, the entertaining midfielder picked out Erick Ruiz with a neat pass, who then set up William Pierce to double the lead in the 40th minute.

Midfielder Pius Ssebulime
Courtesy Photo

 

Rutgers took their 2-0 advantage into halftime and held on for maximum points, despite late pressure from Princeton.

 

Goalkeeper Rafael Ponce de Leon stood firm, pulling off a string of crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Goalkeeper Rafael Ponce De Leon with Abubaker Mayanja after the game
Courtesy Photo

 

The result extends Rutgers’ fine run of form.

 

Lastly, the Scarlet Knights will now turn their attention to a tough away test against No.3 Ohio State on Friday, September 18th, 2026 at 7:00 PM in Columbus.

 

Rutgers’ Last Two Results;

▪︎ 3-1 win over UCLA

▪︎ 2-0 win over No.11 Princeton

 

Will the Uganda duo keep up the form?

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