Rutgers University
19-3-2, 10-0-0
NCAA Quarterfinals: #7 Arkansas
19-4-1, 9-1-0
No. 5 Women's Soccer Punches Ticket to College Cup
Nov 26 | Women's Soccer
Scarlet Knights advance to the Final Four on penalty kicks, 4-2
"I didnt think we'd feel something like what we felt when we won the conference title, but the feeling last night of moving on the the College Cup in California was the most incredible feeling to experience with our team and families. I couldn't be more proud of this team and how much history we've fought to make for our school and for Rutgers women's soccer. To be able to clinch our spot in the College Cup in our final game on Yurcak at home in front of the greatest fans in the world means the absolute most to us," said senior captain Nicole Binkley.
"It is such an unreal feeling to be going to the College Cup. Being able to play this tournament home meant everything to us, we couldn't do it without the endless support from our Rutgers family. We are super excited now to head to California and represent Jersey in the Final Four," said senior captain Shea Holland.
Freshman Riley Tiernan led the way with a goal and an assist for the Scarlet Knights. Senior Amirah Ali recorded a goal as well, while classmate Frankie Tagliaferri and sophomores Becci Fluchel and Sara Brocious added an assist each
In net, senior Meagan McClelland made seven saves in the draw, while making a PK and saving a PK for Rutgers in the shootout.
Tiernan gave RU its earliest goal of the season scoring just two minutes into the match. Brocious passed to Tagliaferri at the top center of the box. Tagliaferri used one touch to set up Tiernan, who found the back of the net for a 1-0 RU lead.
#RUWS LEADS‼️ Just two minutes into this match and Riley TIernan has the Scarlet Knights on the board! Sara Brocious and Frankie Tagliaferri on the assistst!! pic.twitter.com/3XKW9wdSyU
— RUWS | BIG TEN CHAMPIONS (@RUWSoccer) November 27, 2021
Although the Razorbacks countered with goals in the eighth and 15th minutes, the Scarlet Knights never let up.
With two minutes to go in the first half, Ali came in clutch for RU with the equalizer. Fluchel passed to Tiernan, who sent the ball to Ali through traffic. Ali went one-on-one with the keeper to score and knot the game at 2-2.
AMIRAH. ALI‼️
— RUWS | BIG TEN CHAMPIONS (@RUWSoccer) November 27, 2021
Ali ties up the game with a score in the 43rd minute! Becci FLuchel and Riley Tiernan on the assists to make this a 2-2 game! pic.twitter.com/G7XukBZPEd
Top-seed Rutgers and No. 2 seed Arkansas traded shots throughout the first and second overtime periods with RU holding a 4-2 edge in the first and 3-2 in the second. The Scarlet Knights found great chances in the 98th and 99th minute, however, the game would ultimately reach a penalty shootout.
END OF FIRST OT | #RUWS puts two incredible attempts on goal. However, we remain tied at 2-2 entering the second overtime period. pic.twitter.com/JDBajUhlHh
— RUWS | BIG TEN CHAMPIONS (@RUWSoccer) November 27, 2021
Coming off a Third Round match where McClelland saved three straight PKs, the senior goalkeeper carried that momentum, saving the Razorback's first attempt. Fluchel, Ali, McClelland, and Tiernan each made their attempts to advance RU to the College Cup for the second time in program history and first since 2015.
𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘‼️
— RUWS | BIG TEN CHAMPIONS (@RUWSoccer) November 27, 2021
WE DID IT AGAIN!! #RUWS advances to the #NCAASoccer College Cup on penalty kicks, 4-2! See you in Cali!! pic.twitter.com/95VOZPWa3o
𝗚𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗘 𝗖𝗨𝗣‼️ pic.twitter.com/hQYWKAzV3C
— RUWS | BIG TEN CHAMPIONS (@RUWSoccer) November 27, 2021
𝕱𝖎𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝕱𝖔𝖚𝖗 bound.
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 27, 2021
.@RUWSoccer does it again in PKs, winning 4-2. 😱
For only the second time in school history, the Scarlet Knights advance to the NCAA 𝕮𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖌𝖊 𝕮𝖚𝖕. 💥 pic.twitter.com/XRS4I2Dv9t
Get your team a goalie who can do both. 😍
— Rutgers On BTN (@RutgersOnBTN) November 27, 2021
Senior GK Meagan McClelland making saves & nailing a PK like it's her job. 😤@RUWSoccer pic.twitter.com/Vlm43doo4l
Rutgers will matchup with Florida State on Friday, Dec. 3 at Stevens Stadium in Santa Clara, California. More information on tickets and the College Cup can be found at NCAA.com.
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Team Stats
Riley Tiernan (8)
Assisted By: Frankie Tagliaferri , Sara Brocious
GOAL by RU Tiernan, Riley Assist by Tagliaferri, Frankie and Brocious, Sara.
02:00
Anna Podojil (16)
Assisted By: Taylor Malham
GOAL by ARK Podojil, Anna Assist by Malham, Taylor.
07:31
Reagan Swindall (3)
Assisted By: Parker Goins
GOAL by ARK Swindall, Reagan Assist by Goins, Parker.
14:42
Amirah Ali (12)
Assisted By: Riley Tiernan , Becci Fluchel
GOAL by RU Ali, Amirah Assist by Tiernan, Riley and Fluchel, Becci.
42:51
