Rutgers Women’s Soccer Prepares for Match Against Northwestern
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights women’s soccer team is set to face off against Northwestern this Sunday, October 12, with the match scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m. ET. The game will be held at the Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston, Illinois, and fans can watch it live on Big Ten Plus.
Match Overview
Current season records position Rutgers at 3 wins, 5 losses, and 4 draws (3-5-4, 1-5-1), while Northwestern holds a record of 5 wins, 3 losses, and 6 draws (5-3-6, 1-2-4). This match marks an end to Rutgers’ road trip in Illinois, following a 2-0 defeat against Illinois in their last outing.
Season Background and Coaching Staff
Under the leadership of Head Coach Mike O’Neill, now in his 12th season, the Scarlet Knights have consistently qualified for the NCAA Tournament, achieving this remarkable feat for 13 consecutive years. This trend continued in 2024, where the team celebrated an 11-win season and reached the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game.
O’Neill’s coaching team remains unchanged, featuring associate head coach Lubos Ancin, assistant coach Madison Tiernan, and assistant coach Ryan Nigro. Director of Operations Trish DiPaolo rounds out the staff, which has worked together for six consecutive seasons.
Key Players to Watch
Olivia Bodmer
Goalkeeper Olivia Bodmer has earned recognition for her exceptional skills, being one of only three goalies nationwide to be included in the MAC Hermann Trophy Watchlist. This season, she has made 53 saves and secured four shutouts, bringing her career total to 20 shutouts and 199 saves, just one shy of reaching the 200 mark—a milestone that only eight players in program history have achieved.
Nata Ramirez
Graduate transfer Nata Ramirez has made a significant impact on the attacking front, leading the team with eight points this season. She has netted three goals, including two game-winners, alongside her two assists.
Lindsey Hailey
Freshman Lindsey Hailey stands out for her durability and effectiveness, as she is the only player to have participated in all 90 minutes of every match this season. Her contributions have been crucial to the team’s defense, helping to secure five shutouts so far.
Team Leadership
For the 2025 season, the team has named its captains: Olivia Bodmer, Gabriela Gil, and Allie Post. Bodmer, a two-time captain, has been highlighted for her outstanding performances. Gil returns this season after an injury setback, while Post brings invaluable experience with over 50 games played.
New Faces in the Roster
The 2025 roster consists of 29 players, featuring 15 returning athletes and 14 newcomers. Among the newcomers, nine are true freshmen, and five are four-year transfers. Recent matches against Princeton and Fairfield showcased the potential of this new cohort, with eight newcomers in the starting lineup.
Recognition Among Peers
Several players have caught the attention of the Big Ten conference, with forward Ashley Baran, goalkeeper Olivia Bodmer, and midfielder/forward Nata Ramirez being named as Big Ten Players to Watch. Baran topped the scoring charts for the Scarlet Knights in 2024 with six goals and an assist. Bodmer’s impressive season included multiple shutouts and high save numbers, while Ramirez excelled at Columbia before joining Rutgers.
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