PISCATAWAY, NJ -- The University of Delaware men's soccer team generated several good scoring chances against one of the region's better sides, but fell short in a 3-0 loss at Rutgers on Tuesday night.

Facing the Scarlet Knights - who made the NCAA tournament last season - for the first time in school history, the Blue Hens threatened several times in the first half. But Rutgers forward Adam Sternberger gave his team a 1-0 lead on a penalty kick with less than four minutes left before the halftime whistle.

Delaware continued to apply pressure in the second half, as forward Sobhan Tadjalli hit the post with a shot at the 51:49 mark. But just 10 minutes later, Tim McRae doubled the Knights' advantage with a strike from five yards out. The Hens stayed aggressive, managing seven more shots after McRae's goal, but couldn't find the back of the net.

Junior forward Matt Laudeman and freshman midfielder Darren Christie (right) took three shots each to lead the UD attack, while junior goalkeeper Taylor Thames made seven saves.

Rutgers' Kyle Grato scored with 45 seconds left to ice the match.

The Blue Hens matched their season high with 10 shots, but surrendered twice that many to Rutgers (1-2-1).

Delaware, playing one of its most challenging schedules ever, hasn't scored a goal in 274:42. The Hens have been shut out in three straight matches for the first time since October of 2005, but head coach Ian Hennessy said his squad is primed for a run in conference play.

"We continue to create but are having difficulty putting goals away at the moment," said Hennessy, whose Hens are 0-4 to start the season for the first time since 2000. "We were matched up well again tonight, but in the end it is the little details that are catching up. The effort is there and I hope that these games will help us make the conference tournament, our main goal this season. We have a tremendous group of young men and they will rebound from tonight."

The Blue Hens return to action on Saturday, when they finish their five-game road trip at Monmouth. Kick-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.

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