Rutgers women’s soccer falls to Wisconsin 2-1 in B1G Semis

On a cold and windy night at University Park, Pennsylvania, the Rutgers women’s soccer team (8-3-3, 6-2-3 Big Ten) lost a heartbreaker, surrendering another last minute goal to Wisconsin (8-3-3, 6-3-2 Big Ten). With a trip to the Big Ten title game on the line, the Scarlet Knights allowed two second half goals, ultimately falling to the Badgers 2-1.

Rutgers got on the board first as Nneka Monema scored in the 24th minute off a sliding pass from Amirah Ali.

Wisconsin tied the game in the 62nd minute after Rutgers goalkeeper Meagan McClelland came off her line attempting to clear it. However, she ended up way too far outside the box and Lauren Rice took advantage of the open net to tie the score.

In the 70th minute, Rutgers was so close to regaining the lead off a shot from Sara Brocious that hit both posts before just staying outside the goal line.

With the score knotted at 1-1, Wisconsin’s Emma Jaskaniec delivered her fourth game winner of the season in the 85th minute as the RU defense failed to clear the ball out of the box.

What began as a promising start to the night ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat. RU held an 11-7 shot advantage in the game, but the teams tied with 5 shots on goal apiece. It was just the second time all season that Rutgers allowed two goals.

Wisconsin will face Iowa in Sunday’s Big Ten Tournament title game after the Hawkeyes upset regular season champion Penn State.

It is now a waiting game for Rutgers, as the NCAA Tournament Selection Show takes place on Monday, April 19. The Scarlet Knights are looking to make its ninth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in the coming weeks.