Behind A Strong First Half, Rutgers Women’s Soccer Defeats UConn 3-0

Behind a dominating first half performance, the Rutgers women’s soccer team defeated UConn for the fourth consecutive season on Thursday night. Goals from Nicole Whitley, Tiernny Wiltshire, and Ashley Atubi, in addition to the third shutout of the season by Meagan McClelland, led to a 3-0 triumph.

Whitley produced a second consecutive strong effort after registering a career high three assists in the win over George Mason last Sunday. She started the scoring against UConn with a goal in the eighth minute of action off of an assist from Taylor Aylmer. Whitley then found Wiltshire in the eleventh minute, who scored a goal for the second straight game, also the first two of her Rutgers career. In the thirty-ninth minute, Jessica Ayers found Ashley Atubi and the true freshman broke through the defense to net the first goal of her collegiate career.

The second half saw no scoring and Rutgers finished the game with an 11-9 shot advantage overall and 7-2 with shots on goal. UConn held a 3-1 edge in corner kicks. McClelland made two saves in the win.

Rutgers is now 4-0-1 on the season after their first road victory in 2018. The Scarlet Knights have scored 13 goals in five games so far and have allowed just 2 from the opposition. Whitley is now tied for the team lead with 9 points (2 goals, 5 assists) with Amirah Ali (4 goals, 1 assist). Wiltshire is tied with Brittany LaPlant for the second highest total with 4 points each, as both have two goals on the season.

The Scarlet Knights have week plus break and are back in action on Friday, September 7th at home against Monmouth, who they beat 4-0 last season. However, the Hawks are off to a good start in 2018 with a 3-1 record with the lone loss coming at #20th ranked N.C. State in double overtime. Monmouth plays Lehigh and Seton Hall before next Friday’s game at Yurcak Field against Rutgers.