No. 16 Women's Soccer Suffers First Loss of Season to Minnesota, 2-1

Friday, September 29

Yurcak Field

8:00 PM

Rutgers University

8-1-2, 2-1-1Big Ten

Minnesota

6-2-3, 2-1-1Big Ten

Minnesota

Rutgers

No. 16 Women's Soccer Suffers First Loss of Season to Minnesota, 2-1

Sep 29 | Women's Soccer

Box Score BOX SCORE (PDF)

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – In a back-and-forth battle on the pitch, the No. 16 Rutgers women's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season to Minnesota by a score of 2-1 on Friday night at Yurcak Field.

"Tonight it was two good teams," said head coach Mike O'Neill. "I thought at times on the attacking side we did some good things with the ball. When we keep the ball we are a very good team, but we need to not make as many unforced errors. We created chances to win the game, but were unlucky. And chances we gave up they capitalized on."

Despite the Golden Gophers (6-2-3, 2-1-1 Big Ten) claiming a 1-0 lead in the 35^th minute, nearly two minutes later freshman forward Alaysia Lane would score the equalizer to knot the score at 1-1. Rutgers' (8-1-2, 2-1-1 Big Ten) offense took control early in the second half, but it would be a Minnesota goal in the 87^th minute for the final score of the match.

RU led UM in shots (10-9) and corner kicks (2-1), as redshirt junior Casey Murphy contributed two saves in the game.

The Scarlet Knights and the Gophers opened the contest with a back-and-forth battle on the pitch. The fast pace of the offenses mixed with two solid defenses saw possession fluctuate early on.

In the 35^th minute, Minnesota's Maddie Castro shot from the corner of the 18-yard box high to the far post for a 1-0 lead.

That lead would not be held for long, as Lane countered with a goal of her own also from the top of the box just two minutes later. The rookie's shot sailed to the upper right corner of the far post to tie the score, 1-1, in the 37th minute.

Returning from halftime, Rutgers came out strong on the attack, registering two corner kicks in the first two minutes. However, two shots would not find the back of the net.

In the 58^th minute, Murphy made a big stop, as the defense would help block a shot on the deflection to keep the score even.

Freshman forward Amirah Ali found a chance in the 73^rd minute, as her shot skimmed just over the top post. Senior forward Colby Ciarrocca followed a few minutes later, missing by inches as the shot hit off the post.

With four minutes remaining in the contest, Minnesota's Sydney Squires, the Big Ten leader in goals, added the final score of the night.

Up next, Rutgers makes its season debut on the Big Ten Network Sunday against No. 12 Wisconsin. Kickoff is set for 1:04 p.m. ET.

KNIGHT NOTES

Alaysia Lane scored the second goal of her career, as 17 of RU's 25 goals have been notched by an underclassman.
Rutgers suffered its first loss of the season, as the Scarlet Knights lasted into week seven as one of only four NCAA DI women's teams to have not seen a defeat.
RU faced its first loss at Yurcak Field since Sept. 2, 2016, when the Scarlet Knights fell to Georgetown, 2-1, in overtime. That game also marked the last time RU let up two goals at home.
Dating back to 2006, Rutgers owns a 98-18-12 record at home.
The Scarlet Knights allowed two goals in a contest for the first time since Nov. 6, 2016, when Rutgers fell 2-1 in a thrilling Big Ten Championship match with Minnesota.

Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (Rutgers Athletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers women's soccer, follow the program on Facebook (Rutgers Women's Soccer), Twitter (@RUWSoccer) and Instagram (@RUWSoccer). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.