Rutgers women's soccer earned a historic first win over UConn in the Big East conference, securing a 0-0 draw in a tightly contested match at Joseph J. Morrone Stadium.
The draw was a notable improvement for Rutgers, who came into the match looking to build on their second-half performance against No. 24 Tennessee last week. In that game, Rutgers outshot the Lady Vols 10-7 after the break and scored a 76th-minute goal from senior forward Emma Johns.
UConn, meanwhile, was a tough assignment for Rutgers, having gone 11-4-3 last fall and returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018. The Huskies were picked runner-up in the Big East preseason poll behind Georgetown.
Olivia Bodmer, Rutgers' goalkeeper, made six saves to preserve the draw, including three in a burst of activity in the second half. The true freshman Lilia Calvert led the attack for Rutgers, taking three shots and showing impressive footwork.
Rutgers came out the aggressor in the first half, but UConn's goalkeeper Olivia Bodmer made three saves to keep the game scoreless. Rutgers did not attempt a shot until the 26th minute, when Lilia Calvert dragged one off target.
The second half saw Rutgers make nine changes to their lineup, with coach John O'Neill going to his bench early in the match. Tommi Rose Valente and Marian Dunne were the first changes in the 26th minute, and by the 43rd only Lindsey Hailey remained from the starting group.
The draw was a notable improvement for Rutgers, who had struggled to find their footing in the first half. In the second half, Rutgers came out with the ball for the first time all night and managed three corners inside 70 seconds around the 50th minute.
UConn answered in a burst, with Maeve Staunton forcing Olivia Bodmer low to her left in the 56th minute. The match turned scrappy in the last half hour, with four yellow cards being given out for dissent.
The draw was a historic first win for Rutgers over UConn in the Big East conference. The match was played in front of 1,547 at Joseph J. Morrone Stadium.
Source: Yahoo Sports