The University of Massachusetts women’s soccer team secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rutgers University in a thrilling match at Rudd Field. Senior midfielder Bella Recinos was the hero of the day, scoring the game-winning goal in the 81st minute. The Minutewomen’s graduate student goalkeeper, Bella Mendoza, put on a stellar performance, earning her 12th career shutout.
The win improved Massachusetts‘ record to 1-2-0 for the season, while Rutgers fell to 1-1-1 overall. The game was a closely contested affair, with Rutgers dominating possession in the first half and taking seven shots compared to UMass‘ zero. However, both teams went into halftime deadlocked at 0-0.
In the second half, Rutgers continued to control the game until UMass finally broke through with their first shot in the 74th minute. Graduate student Grace Pinkus initiated the play with a shot that was blocked by Rutgers, before Chandler Pedolzky crossed the ball into the box. Bella Recinos seized the opportunity and fired a left-footed shot into the top right corner of the net, giving the Minutewomen a crucial 1-0 lead.
UMass defended their lead admirably, with Bella Mendoza making a crucial save to preserve the shutout. Recinos led the team with two shots, including the decisive goal, while Pedolzky, Pinkus, and Juliana Ryan each contributed with one shot. Despite being outshot 15-5 and conceding 10 corners to Rutgers‘ three, UMass managed to hold on for the win.
Bella Mendoza’s outstanding performance in goal earned her first shutout of the season and her 12th career shutout. She made four saves in the match, while Rutgers‘ Olivia Bodmer played the full 90 minutes and allowed one goal without making any saves.
Looking ahead, Massachusetts will continue their homestand with a matchup against Harvard on Thursday, August 29, at 2 p.m. The team will be aiming to build on their recent success and continue their positive momentum in the early stages of the season. With strong performances from key players like Bella Recinos and Bella Mendoza, the Minutewomen will be looking to make a statement in the upcoming games.