PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Second half goals for senior forward
Colby Ciarrocca and freshman forward
Amirah Ali guided No. 15 Rutgers women's soccer to a 2-0 victory over No. 21 UConn. The Scarlet Knights move to a record of 3-0, including three shutouts to start the year.
"We got some good goals by Colby and Amirah and we're pumped to get the shutout," said redshirt junior goalkeeper
Casey Murphy. "We're happy to get this one, but we're re-focusing for our next game now."
After a scoreless first half for either side, Ciarrocca brought the RU offense to life with a goal in the 51st minute. The forward dribbled past a defender to 20-yards out, sending the ball to the far corner for a 1-0 Scarlet Knight edge.
Ali followed with a goal of her own in the 82nd minute of the game to push the RU lead to 2-0. Sophomore midfielder
Nicole Whitley ignited the play with a takeaway from midfield to feed Ali at the top of the box for the goal.
UConn registered nine shots in the contest, but redshirt junior
Casey Murphy recorded five saves to help lead RU to its third straight shutout of the season.
Up next, Rutgers continues its homestand as host to Mount St. Mary's on Thursday, Aug. 31 and Drexel on Sunday, Sept. 3. Match times are set for 7 p.m. and 1 p.m., respectively, at Yurcak Field.
KNIGHT NOTES
- Rutgers picked up its first ranked win of the season, facing its first top 25 opponent of the year in No. 21 UConn.
- The Scarlet Knights have posted a total of nine goals in their first three games to start the season, marking the most goals since RU posted nine in its first three games back in 2008 (3-1, 2-1, 4-1).
- Six of RU's nine goals have come from underclassmen this year, led by sophomore Carina Hendley and freshman Amirah Ali with two each.
- Colby Ciarrocca and Amirah Ali each added their second goals of the season, moving into a three-way tie for the team lead with Carina Hendley.
- Nicole Whitley added her second assist of the year.
- Casey Murphy posted the 32nd shutout of her career, ranking third in the Rutgers career record books. It also marked her 35th win for the Scarlet Knights.
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.
