Rutgers University
Syracuse
Hall Lifts Rutgers Past Syracuse 1-0
Oct 14 | Women's Soccer
PISCATAWAY, NJ – Freshman Alicia Hall’s (Port Republic, NJ) first career goal, scored in the match’s opening moments, was the difference as the Rutgers women’s soccer team (6-9-1, 2-6 BIG EAST) defeated Syracuse (3-9-4, 2-3-3 BIG EAST) 1-0 Oct. 14 at Yurcak Field.
The Scarlet Knights jumped out to the early lead, finding the back of the net in the first three minutes of the match. Sophomore Amanda Allessio (Langhorne, PA) struck a bending free kick from 25 yards out, and Hall headed it past the Orange keeper, giving RU the 1-0 lead. Both teams had runs at the goal in the remaining 42 minutes, but neither side was able to cash in, and the two teams entered the locker room with the same 1-0 margin.
Rutgers nearly matched its season high (nine) in corner kicks with eight in the first half. The Scarlet Knights finished the match with a 12-4 advantage on corners.
Rutgers continued to exert pressure in the second half and had several quality chances, including a Courtney Roarty (Edison, NJ) burst up the middle of the field in the final seven minutes, but neither team was able to connect for a score.
The win was a critical one for the Scarlet Knights, who are battling for a berth in the BIG EAST Tournament. With the victory, RU (2-6 BIG EAST) has six points, and is four points out of the fifth and final spot in Division B with three league matches remaining.
“The last two matches, we started sluggish, and dug ourselves an early hole,” said sixth-year Rutgers head coach Glenn Crooks. “One we climbed out of, and one we didn’t. It was great to get the early goal (tonight). We had a lot of other chances, but we weren’t able to put one away, and that makes a big difference. In a 1-0 match, at the end, all Syracuse cared about was getting forward. They’re a good side, and like us, they’re better than their record indicates. This was an important win tonight. The last four matches, we know we have to run the table and get some help. Everyone contributed tonight, and playing without Danae Risoli and Kristen Edmonds, we needed more from each player and we got that.”
RU will host St. John’s Sunday, Oct. 16, at 6:00 p.m. The Scarlet Knights will celebrate “Senior Night” against the Red Storm, as the match will serve as RU’s final home contest of the regular season.
Rutgers 1, Syracuse 0
Women’s Soccer BIG EAST Match
Friday, Oct. 14; Yurcak Field; Piscataway, NJ
Syracuse 0 0 0
Rutgers 1 0 1
Shots: SU 3, RU 7. Saves: SU 1 (Emily Kowalczyk 1), RU 2 (Nora Crawford 2). Fouls: SU 6, RU 4. Corner Kicks: SU 4, RU 12. Offsides: SU 0, RU 3. Cards: SU 1, RU 0.
Team Time Goal Assist
RU 2:53 Alicia Hall (1) Amanda Allessio (2)
