PISCATAWAY, N.J. - No. 16 Rutgers women's soccer kicked off Big Ten play with a 2-1 victory over No. 8 Penn State on Sunday afternoon at Yurcak Field. The Scarlet Knights improved to 6-2-0 overall with the win over the Nittany Lions (6-2-0, 0-1-0).
Sophomore forward
Sam Kroeger recorded a goal in the win, marking her fifth goal of the year. Classmate
Becci Fluchel scored a penalty kick for her first career goal and gamewinner. Sophomore midfielder
Sara Brocious added an assist, her fourth of the year.
"I'm always ready to step up when my team needs me. It was a whole team effort though. It was a special game and special opportunity for me to take that penalty kick. It was ultimately a team effort, we couldn't have done it without every single player on the pitch," said sophomore midfielder Becci Fluchel.
Senior goalkeeper Megan McClelland registered three saves, as Rutgers held Penn State to just four shots on goal in the entire match. Dating back to 2019, RU has held 36 straight opponents to single-digit shots on goal.
Rutgers led the first half in shots, 5-2, but the score would remain knotted at 0-0 entering halftime. In the 63rd minute, Kroger found the back of the net to put RU in front 1-0. Although PSU countered with a goal in the 68th minute, Fluchel responded for the Scarlet Knights with a successful PK in the 80th minute for the win.
Up next, Rutgers remains home to continue conference play, hosting Michigan on Thursday, Sept. 23. Match time is set for 6 p.m. ET live on Big Ten Network.
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