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After starting with a perfect 6-0 record and having not allowed a goal yet this season, the #14 ranked Rutgers women's soccer team met former Big East rival #15 Georgetown in Washington D.C. on Sunday. The Hoyas beat the Scarlet Knights twice last season, including in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. In fact, Rutgers lost to Georgetown 2-1 in overtime at home in 2016 and entered this matchup having fallen in their last four meetings against them. Facing their most difficult challenge of the 2017 season, the two teams played to a scoreless draw.
Rutgers had scored 20 goals in their first six games coming in and no less than two in any contest, but the offense was only able to muster four shots on Sunday. However, the defense, led by star goalkeeper Casey Murphy, was able to keep the offensive attack of Georgetown at bay. The Hoyas registered fourteen shots in the match and Murphy made a season high six saves, including a big stop in the 106th minute, as the game was in double overtime.
"As a defense, we're locked and loaded going into every game," said Murphy. "What has made us successful thus far is remaining plugged in and focused for the full 90-plus minutes. Our coaching staff deserves a lot of credit for preparing us to the best of their ability to be prepared to shutout the opponent and be dangerous in the attack."
While #14 Rutgers (6-0-1) wasn't able to score and heads home with a draw, it was a significant result after the recent history with #15 Georgetown (5-2-1), whose only losses this season are to #2 West Virginia and #3 Stanford. The defense remains perfect with seven consecutive shutouts to start the season and playing their toughest competition so far helps to prepare them for Big Ten play.
The conference slate is now set to begin as Rutgers hosts Maryland at Yurcak Field on Sunday, September 17th at 3:30 p.m. The Terps enter the game with the same 6-0-1 record as Rutgers and both teams recently won against George Mason. The Scarlet Knights won 2-0 this past Friday, while Maryland needed overtime to pick up a 2-1 victory on September 3rd. Rutgers is the only Big Ten team not to allow a goal this season.