The Rutgers Women's Soccer Team ended the regular season with a bang Sunday afternoon, taking down Northwestern 2-1 in a must win matchup. The Scarlet Knights gritted it out "On the Banks" to secure an above .500 regular season in both the Big Ten (.550) and overall (.583). The victory also gifts the Scarlet Knights the #6 seed in the Big Ten Tournament.
Scoring Recap
The Scarlet Knights got on the board first in the 33rd minute off of a nifty finish from Sara Brocious. A great passing sequence led to the cross from Allison Lowrey to Ashley Baran, who headed into the ground. Brocious then swept in and found the back left side of the net.
33' | BRO!
We lead Northwestern 1-0 after Sara's flick finishes some slick passing from Lowrey and Baran! pic.twitter.com/aGgK6u6V3u
— RUTGERS WOMEN’S SOCCER (@RUWSoccer) October 22, 2023
The Wildcats then evened the score in the 57th minute off of a gorgeous finish to the top right of the net.
💥🎯 @AulicinoJosie pic.twitter.com/rkyNLKlEg1
— Northwestern Soccer (@NUWSoccer) October 22, 2023
The Scarlet Knights then responded in the 76th minute to regain the lead and seal the victory. The sequence started with a great ball from Brocious into space to a sprinting Sam Kroger. Kroger then led Baran into space where Baran caught a nice bounce off the goaltender to find the back of the net.
77' | BARAN PUTS US BACK IN FRONT!
Ashley attacks the pass from Sam Kroeger and we're up 2-1 over Northwestern. pic.twitter.com/nVj6uvgLMS
— RUTGERS WOMEN’S SOCCER (@RUWSoccer) October 22, 2023
Breaking It Down
It was a very back and fourth battle between these two Big Ten foes, with not many shots being released on either side. Neither team released double digit shots or above five on net, giving both teams goaltenders a break.
Speaking of goaltenders, Rutgers Redshirt Freshman Olivia Bodmer had another solid night in net with three saves on the afternoon. The Scarlet Knights are still struggling with limiting corner opportunities for the other team and continue to generate a ton of fouls. On the bright side the scarlet Knights were able to pull off the victory at home and give themselves a #6 seed bid into the Big Ten Tournament.
⚽️ 2023 #B1GWSOC Tournament Bracket Released
➕ https://t.co/1hqei7GGvF pic.twitter.com/YQwtEPMxz6
— Big Ten Soccer (@B1GSoccer) October 22, 2023
With the Scarlet Knights building off of a two-game win streak, the time is now or never for the Rutgers women's soccer team. The Scarlet Knights will face Wisconsin who they have not yet matched up against this season. The Badgers finished their regular season 12-3-3 overall and 7-2-1 in conference so the Scarlet Knights have a big game ahead of them.
Team Statistics
| RUT | NU | |
| Goals | 2 | 1 |
| Shots | 8 | 9 |
| Shots on Goal | 3 | 4 |
| Saves | 3 | 1 |
| Corners | 4 | 8 |
| Offsides | 2 | 0 |
| Fouls | 9 | 6 |
Rutgers Women’s Soccer Next Game
The Scarlet Knights start their postseason chase as they head to Madison, Wisconsin to face the Badgers in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals.
- Date and Time: October 29 at TBA EST
- VS: Wisconsin
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
- Watch: B1G+
Full schedule click here.
- Giants Make Big Coaching Changes After Drop Off Year - Who Is In and Who Is Out? - January 12, 2024
- Sterling Shepard Gets One Giant Send Off In Week 18 Victory - January 8, 2024
- Yankees Finally Address Pitching Issues With Poteet Signing - January 5, 2024
