Women's Soccer | "We Bend, We Don't Break"
Stephanie Mamakas
4/26/2021
Through a year of adversity off the field, a postponement of the fall season, and a new set of challenges to adjust to as student-athletes, the Rutgers women’s soccer team focused on the program’s most important asset, the culture of family. The Scarlet Knight family came together stronger than ever to push through the adversity and challenges, all while upholding the program’s standards in academics and athletics.
“Being a student-athlete has definitely been different this year with a lot of new challenges thrown at us, but we have had such a great support staff and people surrounding us that have been awesome and made the process smooth. Being able to have practice and the season as an outlet of everything going on around us has been so relieving,” said sophomore back Allison Lynch.
Despite the move to online learning, 17 were named Academic All-Big Ten Selections in the fall, also extending the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award honor to 10 straight seasons. While battling different home locations and a season with mostly no fans, RU established a 5-0 undefeated record at home to boost a winning 8-3-3 record overall and 6-2-3 Big Ten mark.
Rutgers not only maintained the program’s standards, they continued to raise them. The Scarlet Knights climbed as high as 19 in the nation, locking their national prominence in the polls to 15 straight years. The squad, guided by a program-record matching seven All-Big Ten selections, pushed to its second consecutive Big Ten Tournament semifinal and fourth in the program’s history. And now, a ninth straight bid to the NCAA Tournament, 11th appearance in the last 13 seasons, and 15th trip to the Big Dance overall.
“The culture and standard of this program that has been passed down from so many great generations is what we strive to keep up and continue to pass down. Being able to make the tournament again is just really rewarding and a great accomplishment knowing we are upholding what all these past teams have created,” said Lynch.
“Having a strong season through lots of adversity and making NCAAs this year means a lot for the team. Overall, we progressed as the season went on and we got more comfortable with each other. Going through I’d say one of the hardest years everyone has faced and knowing we can lean on one another for support, guidance, and more. This team can handle anything when we do it together. We’ve had a saying throughout the fall and spring that ‘We bend, but we don’t break’ and this is definitely going to carry us through NCAAs,” said freshman forward Sam Kroeger.
“We bend, but we don't break.” The Scarlet Knights used this motto through the year, as the program leaned on each other on and off the pitch. A veteran core complemented by nine freshmen in the lineup, four of which started every game, created a strong chemistry for RU.
“It means a lot knowing that the freshman class made a huge impact and helped the team push us into post season. We all know our roles on the team, and when the time comes to go in or start a match, we are ready to perform. In the upcoming years, when we become upperclassmen, other players might look up to us for advice, support, and more. I think setting that standard this year and making an impact shows that we can lead by example and effort both academically and athletically,” said Kroeger.
This year, ten different Scarlet Knights contributed to scoring, five of which were newcomers, while the program maintained its standard of shutout soccer. The team held all 14 opponents to single-digit shots on goal and nine to just single-digit shots overall, recording six clean sheets on the year.
“Rutgers has always prided itself on how tough our defense is and every game we expect to push ourselves to get a shutout. We stay so strong because of our leadership and chemistry. We have created so many great relationships with each other so we have full trust in each other to make that big play, block a shot, and just keep the communication on a high level,” said Lynch.
With trust in each other and a tight bond, the squad can let their strengths come through and make a big statement in the game’s ahead.
“There are so many strengths on this team and everyone brings in something different that just compliments each other so well. Fans will be able to see our scrappiness and grit on all parts of the field, taking any advantage to get the job done,” said Lynch.
“The team’s work ethic is a strength that fans will see throughout the tournament. No matter the conditions, opponent, score, the team works hard until the final whistle. We control what we can control, and one of those things is work effort. Everyone on this team works extremely hard and during practices, when everyone is putting max effort in, that is only making the team better,” said Kroeger.
Along with technical and tactical ability, the team’s work ethic paired with postseason energy and the desire to win has RU prepared and ready for NCAAs. The Scarlet Knights, who reached the College Cup in 2015, know they have what it takes to succeed in the Tournament.
“To be successful in NCAAs we just need to continue all the habits and details we all know how to do so well and just execute them. Scoring early, getting shutouts, and getting it done in 90. If we stick together and play as tough as we can, we will be strong,” said Lynch.
“It’s great that we have continued the standard for Rutgers, earning its ninth straight bid to the NCAA Tournament. Although that is a standard, I think now we need to go beyond that standard and not just make it into the Tournament, but win one,” said Kroeger.
“Rutgers saw the opportunity of reaching the Final Four in 2015, falling just short. We need to have the mindset and goal of progressing through each round until the final. However, we cannot look ahead. We need to focus on only one game at a time and not look at future possibilities of what could potentially happen. Like every tournament, it is a new beginning and fair playing ground for any team. It’s every team for themselves. Survive and advance.”
It all begins on Tuesday, April 27, as Rutgers matches up with Southeastern Louisiana in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. The contested, hosted by Campbell University in Buis Creek, North Carolina, is set for a 7 p.m. ET live on ESPN3.
