PISCATAWAY,N.J. – Rutgers women’s soccer will begin its Big ten campaign this Thursday, September 12, hosting Michigan State at Yurcak Field. The match marks the start of a challenging schedule for the Scarlet knights, who are looking to build on a strong 2024 season.
Nine Scarlet Knights have made their collegiate debut this year, with 14 making their Rutgers debut overall. Rutgers will face a demanding schedule that includes nine teams that qualified for last season’s NCAA Tournament,including Fairfield,Princeton,UConn,and defending Big Ten champions UCLA.
Forward Ashley Baran, goalkeeper Olivia Bodmer, and midfielder/forward Nata Ramirez have been named Big Ten Players to Watch. Baran led Rutgers in 2024 with six goals and 13 points. Bodmer recorded seven solo shutouts and a 0.99 goals-against average in 21 starts. Ramirez, a transfer from Columbia, previously earned First Team All-Ivy and Second Team All-Region honors after totaling seven goals and eight assists for 22 points.
Following the home opener, Rutgers will travel to Minnesota on September 18 before returning home to face Indiana on September 21. The Scarlet Knights will then head west for matches at UCLA on September 25 and USC on September 28. Additional Big Ten contests include Penn State (October 4 or 5), at Illinois (October 9), at Northwestern (october 12), Ohio State (October 16), Michigan (October 19), and at Maryland (October 26).
Fans can follow Rutgers Women’s Soccer on X (@ruwsoccer), Instagram (@ruwsoccer), and Facebook (RUWSoccer).
