Wildcats Host No. 10 Rutgers in Top Ten Matchup

Thursday, September 29

Evanston, Ill.

7 p.m. CT

Northwestern

#10 Rutgers

Photo by: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern Athletics

Wildcats Host No. 10 Rutgers in Top Ten Matchup

9/28/2022 1:08:00 PM | Women's Soccer

EVANSTON, Ill. –– For the first time in the history of the program, No. 8 Northwestern (9-1-1, 3-0-0) will play in a top ten matchup when it hosts No. 10 Rutgers (10-1-0, 5-1-0) at Martin Stadium on Thursday at 7 p.m. CT on B1G+.

The Wildcats come into this matchup of Big Ten heavyweights on a nine-game unbeaten streak and a seven-game winning streak. Last time out, the Wildcats defeated Minnesota 2-1 at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. The 'Cats took an early 1-0 lead in the 24th minute behind a goal from Minnesota native Lily Gilbertson. The 1-0 score held for 45 minutes, until Minnesota equalized in the 69th minute. Northwestern responded nearly immediately, when Caterina Regazzoni drew a corner kick in the 71st minute. Josie Aulicino took the corner and found Rowan Lapi in the box, who headed it home to put the 'Cats up for good. The win was the seventh in a row for the Wildcats and brought the team's unbeaten streak to nine games.

?? Check out the highlights from our Sunday afternoon DUB in the Twin Cities pic.twitter.com/s62hTQ0kb2
— Northwestern Soccer (@NUWSoccer) September 25, 2022

'Cat Facts

Northwestern's No. 8 ranking is the highest in the history of Northwestern Women's Soccer
The Wildcats seven-game winning streak is tied for third-longest and NU's nine-game unbeaten streak is tied for second-longest in program history
The 'Cats have scored a first half goal in six straight games
Northwestern is one of two Big Ten teams with a 3-0-0 conference record (Wisconsin)
First-year Caterina Regazzoni was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after tallying a goal and two assists at Nebraska and setting up the game-winning corner kick at Minnesota
With her assist on Rowan Lapi's goal against Minnesota, Josie Aulicino brought herself to fourth all-time in assists in Northwestern history

The No. 10 Scarlet Knights arrive in Evanston amidst a historic season, winning their first nine games for the first time in school history. The Scarlet Knights have started Big Ten play 2-1-0, defeating Ohio State (2-0) before falling on the road at Penn State (2-0), then rebounding at home against Maryland. RU presents a balanced attack offensively, with four players each scoring at least three goals. Additionally, Forward Riley Tiernan was named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List, a trophy awarded to the national player of the year. Tiernan was also named Big Ten Freshman of the Year last season. Megan McClelland handles goalkeeping duties for the Scarlet Knights, posting a .750 save percentage and allowing 0.65 goals/game. After winning the Big Ten regular season title last season, RU advanced all the way to the College Cup, before bowing out to eventual National Champion Florida State (1-0). Rutgers was picked to finish first in the Big Ten preseason poll.

RU leads the all-time series between the two schools 4-2-1. The two programs have not met since October 6, 2019, when the Scarlet Knights prevailed 2-0.

Northwestern will continue its Big Ten campaign when it travels to Champaign on Sunday. The in-state rivalry will kick off at 1 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.