Rutgers Women’s Soccer Defeats Minnesota In OT, Remain Unbeaten In B1G Play

The Rutgers women’s soccer team had a challenging weekend on the road in Big Ten play and came out sitting alone in second place in the conference. Due to weather, Thursday’s match at #22 Wisconsin (8-1-3; 2-1-3) was moved to Friday and the two teams battled to a hard fought scoreless draw. The Scarlet Knights had a quick turnaround at Minnesota (7-5-1; 3-2-1) on Sunday afternoon, but continued to find a way to win in dramatic fashion.

Sophomore forward Amirah Ali continued her strong play this season by putting Rutgers in the lead in the 13th minute of the game by converting a penalty kick. It was her team leading eighth goal of the season.

Minnesota tied it in 41st minute. as Emily Heslin scored off a set play from a corner kick.

True freshman goalkeeper Meagan McClelland was tested often in this contest and made this fantastic save right before intermission. She made a career high five saves in the game.

After a scoreless second half, the game went into overtime yet again for Rutgers. It was the sixth straight contest they’ve played an extra session. With just under 5 minutes remaining in OT, the Scarlet Knights found the back of the net. Adora Moneme scored her first goal of the season in a timely fashion, clinching the victory. Nicole Whitley set Moneme up for her team best seventh assist of the season.

Rutgers has now won all three Big Ten contests with a golden goal in overtime and are now 3-0-4 on the season in games that went to extra time.

The win puts Rutgers in second place in the Big Ten standings with 11 total points in five matches (3-0-2). The only other unbeaten team in conference play is Nebraska, who sit in first place with 14 points (4-0-2), but have played one more game.

It’s time for Rutgers to be ranked, as they are now 7-1-4 overall and the only Big Ten team with just one loss. Whether they are after Tuesday’s poll or not, they have an opportunity to make a big statement as they host #17 Northwestern (8-2-2; 2-2-1) Thursday night. The game will be televised live on the Big Ten Network at 8 p.m. ET. The Wildcats just beat Michigan 4-1 this past weekend. Three days later, Rutgers will welcome Illinois (7-5-0; 2-3-0) to Yurcak Field on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Scarlet Knights have a legitimate shot at winning the Big Ten regular season title and that makes this coming weekend the most important one yet.