Friday, November 4
Minneapolis, Minn.
4:30 p.m.
Northwestern
14-2-4
0
vs
1
#7 Rutgers
11-3-6
1
2
F
Rutgers
1
0
1
Northwestern
0
0
0
No. 17 'Cats Fall Short to Scarlet Knights in B1G Semifinals
11/4/2016 6:35:00 PM | Women's Soccer
ST. PAUL, Minn. – No. 17 Northwestern fought to the bitter end in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals, but Rutgers' early goal proved to be the difference maker as the 'Cats fell to the Scarlett Knights, 1-0, on Friday evening at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.
Rutgers had the first attempt in the second minute of action, but the ball sailed wide. The Scarlet Knights would not back down as RU jumped on the board first just seven minutes into the conference semifinal matchup. Rutgers forward Colby Ciarrocca accepted a pass from six yards out and slipped the go-ahead goal right past Clem.
Marisa Viggiano registered the first shot of the game for Chicago's Big Ten Team, but her challenge was blocked. After 45 minutes of play, Northwestern entered the halftime break, trialing 1-0.
The Wildcats entered the second half in full force, causing trouble early. Viggiano found an opening and slipped the ball to Maria Fayeulle, who pushed through to Kassidy Gorman, but the Rutgers goalkeeper intercepted the ball to keep the 'Cats off the board.
With 31 minutes left in regulation Nandi Mehta registered the best look of the game for Northwestern, but her shot drifted just inches over the crossbar. Northwestern drew a penalty in the 67th minute to set up a dangerous free kick, however, the 'Cats were unable to connect for the equalizer.
With just over 12 minutes remaining in regulation, Kaitlin Moore sent a through ball to Margo McGinty who got a head to it, but the ball fell into the side netting.
The Wildcats produced a few more quality chances in the final minutes of the contest, including three shots in the final 10 minutes, but Northwestern could not compete the with clock as Rutgers walked away with the win.
Rutgers will advance to the finals of the Big Ten Tournament, while Northwestern will wait to see if it earns and at-large bid in the 64-team field of the NCAA tournament. The NCAA DI Women's Soccer Selection Show is slated for Monday, Nov. 7, at 3:30 p.m. CST.
Rutgers had the first attempt in the second minute of action, but the ball sailed wide. The Scarlet Knights would not back down as RU jumped on the board first just seven minutes into the conference semifinal matchup. Rutgers forward Colby Ciarrocca accepted a pass from six yards out and slipped the go-ahead goal right past Clem.
Marisa Viggiano registered the first shot of the game for Chicago's Big Ten Team, but her challenge was blocked. After 45 minutes of play, Northwestern entered the halftime break, trialing 1-0.
The Wildcats entered the second half in full force, causing trouble early. Viggiano found an opening and slipped the ball to Maria Fayeulle, who pushed through to Kassidy Gorman, but the Rutgers goalkeeper intercepted the ball to keep the 'Cats off the board.
With 31 minutes left in regulation Nandi Mehta registered the best look of the game for Northwestern, but her shot drifted just inches over the crossbar. Northwestern drew a penalty in the 67th minute to set up a dangerous free kick, however, the 'Cats were unable to connect for the equalizer.
With just over 12 minutes remaining in regulation, Kaitlin Moore sent a through ball to Margo McGinty who got a head to it, but the ball fell into the side netting.
The Wildcats produced a few more quality chances in the final minutes of the contest, including three shots in the final 10 minutes, but Northwestern could not compete the with clock as Rutgers walked away with the win.
Rutgers will advance to the finals of the Big Ten Tournament, while Northwestern will wait to see if it earns and at-large bid in the 64-team field of the NCAA tournament. The NCAA DI Women's Soccer Selection Show is slated for Monday, Nov. 7, at 3:30 p.m. CST.
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Team Stats
RU
NU
Goals
1
0
Shots
6
7
Shots on Goal
2
1
Saves
1
1
Corners
1
2
Fouls
9
5
Scoring Plays
Ciarrocca, Colby (6)
Assisted By: Wright, Kenie
GOAL by RU Ciarrocca, Colby (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Wright, Kenie, goal number 6 for season.
6:34
Game Leaders
Players
Shots
3
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
F
/ Women's Soccer
D/M
/ Women's SoccerD/M
/ Women's SoccerM
/ Women's Soccer
D/M
/ Women's SoccerM
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