UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. – No. 22 Rutgers women's soccer (8-3-3, 6-2-3 Big Ten) was edged 2-1 by Wisconsin (8-3-3, 6-3-2 Big Ten) in a windy and rainy Big Ten Tournament Semifinal on Thursday night. Senior forward and All-Big Ten selection
Nneka Moneme registered a goal for RU, while classmate and fellow All-Big Ten pick
Amirah Ali added an assist. Overall, the Scarlet Knights led in offensive opportunities, 11-7, as shots on goal were even, 5-5, in the match.
THE MATCH
Rutgers battled through tough weather conditions to get on the board in the 24th minute. Off a sliding pass from Ali, Moneme used one touch through traffic to send the score to the far post. The goal gave RU an early 1-0 lead.
McClelland recorded her second save of the half in the final seconds of the frame to keep the Scarlet Knight advantage at 1-0 going into the break.
In the 62nd minute, Wisconsin evened the score at 1-1. Freshman
Sara Brocious countered soon after with an opportunity in the 70th minute. However, the shot would ricochet between both posts and out, keeping the tally at 1-1.
Wisconsin used a free kick to set up another goal in the 86th minute for the 2-1 margin to advance.
UP NEXT
Rutgers awaits selection into the NCAA Tournament with the field being announced on Monday, April 19.
KNIGHT NOTES
- Rutgers advanced to its second straight semifinal and fourth overall.
- Nneka Moneme recorded her third goal of the season and 19th of her career.
- Amirah Ali added an assist, bring her career points total to 75 (31g, 13a). She ranks fifth all-time in career points.
- Nneka Moneme and Amirah Ali as a duo have teamed up (one assisting the other) for 11 goals over the last four seasons.
- The RU defense has held all 14 opponents to single-digit shots on goal this year and nine to just single-digit shots overall.
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