PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The No. 16 Rutgers women's soccer team registered its fifth straight shutout to start the season, recording a 2-0 victory over Drexel on Sunday afternoon at Yurcak Field. Sophomore forward Brittany LaPlant and senior forward Colby Ciarrocca posted a goal each, while redshirt junior goalkeeper Casey Murphy earned her fifth shutout in net.
 
"It is the small things that we do in training that we bring into the match," said Head Coach Mike O'Neill. "We talk about being 28 strong and when you have players that maybe didn't perform to the level they have in the previous matches, other players step in and pick them up. The depth of the team is important.
 
"We take a lot of pride in keeping the ball and through keeping the ball we create chances. We defend as one. We focus on doing the small things really well and we are pretty strong from front to back."  
 
LaPlant posted her second goal of the season, while Ciarrocca added her third of the year. Senior midfielder Christy Monroy, sophomore forward Carina Hendley, and junior defender Kenie Wright all contributed an assist in the win.
 
Rutgers and Drexel opened the contest trading possession and shots. However, the Scarlet Knights would break through the defensive battle with a goal from LaPlant in the 37th minute. Monroy used a long pass from midfield to set up Hendley for a short cross to LaPlant. LaPlant then used a one-time shot from about three yards out to the upper right corner for a 1-0 RU edge.
 
The Scarlet Knights wasted no time after returning from halftime, as Ciarrocca cushioned the RU advantage with a goal in the 49th minute. Off a corner kick from junior defender Kenie Wright, Ciarrocca headed the ball into the back of the net for the 2-0 lead.
 
With the clean sheet, Murphy brought her career shutout total to 34, moving into a tie for second on the Rutgers career records list.
 
After opening the season with five straight games at home, Rutgers will hit the road for a matchup at George Mason on Friday, Sept. 8. The Scarlet Knights will then stay on the road with a trip to No. 10 Georgetown on Sunday, Sept. 10.
 
KNIGHT NOTES
- Casey Murphy moved into a tie for second place on the Rutgers career shutout record list, posting the 34^th shutout of her career. She is tied with Saskia Webber who competed for the Scarlet Knights from 1989-92.
-Rutgers has recorded 18 total goals across its first five contests. Overall, 14 of those goals have been scored by underclassmen.
-Colby Ciarrocca is tied for the team lead with eight points (3g, 2a).
-Brittany LaPlant has scored in back-to-back contests with a goal against Drexel and Mount St. Mary's.
-Christy Monroy added the first assist of her career.
-Kenie Wright contributed her third assist of the season, while Carina Hendley added her second.
-Freshman forward Nneke Moneme made her collegiate debut 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.