#14 Rutgers Women’s Soccer Defeats George Mason 2-0, Setting Up Showdown With #15 Georgetown

The #14th ranked Rutgers women’s soccer team went on the road for the first time this season and after playing a scoreless opening half, they were able to score two goals after the break against George Mason. In the 48th minute, it was the freshmen connection of forward Amirah Ali finding midfielder Alexa Ferreira on a breakaway and she was able to finish from 15 yards out for the first goal of her college career.

"Our team play is getting better every game," said Ferreira. "We are moving the ball better and trusting each other more. We played against a good team and came out with the win.”

"It felt amazing to have scored my first goal at Rutgers. I think that once that goal came, everyone's energy boosted and we started to play with more edge. It feels great to be 6-0, but our main focus is on the next game."

Ferreira wasn’t done producing offense for Rutgers on the night, as she set up the second goal of the game, finding senior forward Colby Ciarrocca, who scored from 10 yards out in the 80th minute. It was Ciarrocca’s fourth goal of the season and she now leads the team with 10 points through six games so far. Ali, who was named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week this past Tuesday and is tied with Ciarrocca with four goals, registered her first assist of her career and is second on the team with 9 points this season.

Goalkeeper Casey Murphy continues to perfect in the net since her return to the program, notching her sixth consecutive shutout of the season. She made several diving saves in the game and finished with four overall.

#14 Rutgers has now posted 20 goals this season en route to a 6-0 start, while not allowing any opponent to score on their vaunted defense. The Scarlet Knights will take on their second ranked opponent of the season on Sunday, when they visit #15 Georgetown (5-2) at 1 p.m. The Hoyas won both matchups last season, including knocking Rutgers out of the NCAA Tournament with a 2-0 victory in the second round. Like Rutgers did in 2015, Georgetown advanced to the College Cup (Final Four) last season. Both of Georgetown’s losses this season have come against top three teams in the United Coaches Poll, #2 Stanford and #3 West Virginia.

This is a huge game for both teams and it will be a big test for Rutgers. After a tremendous start to the 2017, one in which the team has championship expectations, a win would bring redemption after losing twice to Georgetown last year. Of course, Murphy did not play in either game and looks to be a major factor on Sunday.