After two straight wins, the Scarlet Knights dropped a thriller to unbeaten Indiana Sunday afternoon to open up Big Ten play. The close 3-2 match was a battle from start to end, but ultimately the Hoosiers found themselves on top at the end of regulation.
The Hoosiers came out firing early, finding the back of the net just 54 seconds into the game. A nice pass and finish inside of the box put the Scarlet Knights down one.
On the board early! 🔥👀@annabennett_11 | #IUWS pic.twitter.com/nFLfJ8Zl0y
— Indiana Women's Soccer (@IndianaWSOC) September 17, 2023
Not long after, at 4:34 into the game, the Hoosiers struck again. This time, a great individual effort and lob over a Scarlet Knight defender and goaltender.
Goal No. 10 this season for Paige Webber! 🙌@paigewebber12 | #IUWS pic.twitter.com/VIZfTQpe8h
— Indiana Women's Soccer (@IndianaWSOC) September 17, 2023
In a blink of an eye, the Scarlet Knights were down 2-0 early. Thankfully, there was still a ton of time left on the clock for Rutgers to work with. At 37:25 into the game, the Scarlet Knights finally responded and ended the Hoosiers' scoring streak.
Gia Girman made a nice heads up play in front of the net to get Rutgers within one. Olivia Russomanno and Giana Romano both got credit for the assist.
On the board in the 38th off the foot of Gia Girman. We trail 2-1 at Indiana.#WeNeverStop🧹#ForeverRutgers pic.twitter.com/pHCVeNNl7t
— RUTGERS WOMEN’S SOCCER (@RUWSoccer) September 17, 2023
At 51:25 into the game, Rutgers found the back of the net once again to even the score at 2-2. Gia Vicari capitalized off of a miscommunication between the Indiana defender and goalkeeper to get her first score of the day. Allison Lowrey got credit for the assist.
Vicari ties it!#WeNeverStop🧹#ForeverRutgers pic.twitter.com/tCRDtrP2cG
— RUTGERS WOMEN’S SOCCER (@RUWSoccer) September 17, 2023
Unfortunately, the Scarlet Knights' efforts were ended with a tough late goal by the Hoosiers. A big ball from way downtown left a 1v1 with the Scarlet Knights' goaltender and the Hoosiers player. An incredibly tough scene for Rutgers.
HOO HOO HOOSIERS!@pipercoffield @paigewebber12 | #IUWS pic.twitter.com/AiB0gHiq4z
— Indiana Women's Soccer (@IndianaWSOC) September 17, 2023
Breaking it down
Rutgers had the upper hand in pretty much every category, they had seven shots on goal and 11 total, but Indiana was able to come up with five saves. The Scarlet Knights also had six corner kicks, but couldn’t utilize them to their advantage.
A heartbreaker in Indiana leaves the Scarlet Knights at barely above .500 (4-3-2) on the season. What could have been a HUGE Big Ten victory is now a 0-1 start in conference play. The Scarlet Knights have a huge challenge at home on Thursday against No. 6 Penn State, a huge game that can either lift the Scarlet Knights or break them. As the season goes on, the competition does not get any easier so the time is now or never for Rutgers women’s soccer.
Team Statistics
| RUT | Indiana | |
| Goals | 2 | 3 |
| Shots | 11 | 13 |
| Shots on Goal | 7 | 5 |
| Saves | 2 | 5 |
| Corners | 6 | 2 |
| Offsides | 3 | 0 |
| Fouls | 5 | 8 |
Rutgers Women’s Soccer Next Game
- Date and Time: September 21st at 7:00 PM EST
- VS: No. 6 Penn State
- Location: Yurcak Field
- Watch: B1G+
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