Rutgers University
Maryland
No. 22 WSOC Topples Visiting Terps, 1-0
Sep 16 | Women's Soccer
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - No. 22 Rutgers women's soccer cruised to a 1-0 win against visiting Maryland Friday night at Yurcak Field to begin Big Ten Conference play. The Scarlet Knights' Nicole Whitley capitalized on a free kick opportunity in the 10th minute with a goal from about 25 yards out, while the defense held the Terrapins to four shots in the match for RU's third-straight clean sheet.
"The confidence grows with every game," said head coach Mike O'Neill. "I felt that we did a good job of keeping the ball. We were a bit more aware tonight than the last game and that's the progression that you have to have from match to match. We created opportunities - I wish we would've finished a few more - but we got one to win the game and I was proud that we didn't give anything up. We never broke."
Whitley's goal was her second this season and gives her points in back-to-back matches after a three-assist match against Drexel last Sunday. With 10 points the rookie is now tied for the team lead with senior Madison Tiernan.
As a team the Scarlet Knights (6-1-1, 1-0) tallied 21 shots, reaching the 20-shot mark for the fourth time in 2016. Eight different players recorded at least two shots in the win.
Senior goalkeeper Alana Jimenez collected the fourth shutout of her career and made one save on the evening. Maryland (2-6-1, 0-1) goalkeeper Katelyn Jensen made eight saves in the match.
The Scarlet Knights continue league play next weekend, when they close a six-match homestand against Northwestern (Sept. 23) and Illinois (Sept. 25). Both matches will stream live on BTN Plus.
GAME NOTES
• The Scarlet Knights won their second consecutive match against Maryland and began the Big Ten season 1-0 for the second-straight year.
• Rutgers is now 3-6-1 all-time against Maryland.
• The Scarlet Knights improved to 12-9-3 all-time in conference openers.
• RU notched its fifth shutout of the season Friday.
• Rutgers' allowed four shots against Maryland, which tied for the fewest this season. It was the third-straight game RU surrendered just four shots.
• RU improved to 54-2-3 (.941) since 2008 when leading at halftime.
• The Scarlet Knights tallied at least 20 shots for the fourth time this season.
• Whitley is tied for first in points with two goals and six assists.
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.
