PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers women's soccer (3-1-1) scored its second consecutive 3-0 shutout victory on Sunday, handing defending America East Tournament champion Maine (2-1-2) its first loss of the season at Yurcak Field.
Riley Tiernan sparked the Scarlet Knight offense with three points on the assist for the game-winning goal in the first half, then capped the scoring with a converted penalty to make it 3-0 in the 84th minute. Tiernan climbed to 60 career points with the effort against the Black Bears.
"We knew as a team we would have to come out with high energy because every team we play is going to give us their best," Tiernan said. "There is no individuality on this team. We want the best for each other and play together as one; being selfless is important."
Tiernan's reputation and selflessness came together on Rutgers' opening goal in the 27th minute. Riley McGlinn started the play by playing a through ball to spring Tiernan, who ran half the field deep into the box drawing defensive attention before back passing to
Shaela Bradley for an open shot into the center of net. It was the first collegiate goal for Bradley, starting in her fifth consecutive game to start her career at Rutgers.
Just six minutes later,
Emily Mason launched a free kick into danger and the ball was cleared out to
Kylie Daigle, who settled, touched, and ripped a low shot to the right of the Maine keeper for the 2-0 advantage.
Tiernan put the final touches on the 3-0 victory after getting fouled in the box by the Maine goalkeeper before getting up and burying the penalty for her second score of the season.
Olivia Bodmer and the Rutgers defense posted its second consecutive shutout while allowing just two shots on goal, both saved by Bodmer.
Rutgers outshot Maine, 12-7, with a 5-2 advantage in shots on goal.
Allie Post and
Patricia Tsokos added shots on target aside from the goal scorers.
Rutgers concludes a three-match homestand and non-conference play on Sun., Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. when they host NC State at Yurcak Field.
NOTES
- Rutgers has seven different goal scorers on eight goals in 2024.
- Riley Tiernan's assist marked No. 26 of her career to remain in third place all-time in the Rutgers record book. She is chasing Jennifer Gibbons' (1989-92) 27, and Gina DeMaio's (2006-10) record 29.
- Shaela Bradley scored the first goal of her collegiate career.
- Kylie Daigle scored career goal No. 11.
- Riley Tiernan scored career goal No. 17.
- Riley McGlinn recorded the first assist of her collegiate career.
- Olivia Bodmer posted career shutout No. 12.
- Rutgers improves to 2-0 all-time against Maine in their first meeting since 1996.
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