The Scarlet Knights, ranked 12th in the nation, took on the third-ranked team from Santa Clara University and the country’s top team from Stanford in a twoday span, losing both games, but proving their mettle in the process.
On Sept. 15, Rutgers came within a few minutes of posting an upset of Santa Clara, as they clung to a 1-0 lead on a goal scored by senior Amanda Allessio, of Langhorne, Pa., in the 29th minute. They followed Allessio’s goal with a solid defensive effort, before giving up goals in the 87th minute and the 104th minute, falling 2-1 in double overtime.
Santa Clara entered the game averaging 15 shots a game, but was held to just seven in regulation against RU.
“We just played one of the top programs in the country,” said Crooks. “Now we feel like we’re one of the top programs in the country. The girls feel very good about themselves in spite of the results.”
The very next day, the Rutgers women’s soccer team played the best team in the nation in the Stanford Invitational, but couldn’t come away with a win, falling 4-1 to the Cardinal. Even though they lost, the Scarlet Knights (4-2) felt they outplayed the Cardinal (6-0).
“It was an odd game,” said Crooks. “We outshot them 11-9, but it was one of those matches where every shot they took managed to find its way in, and we didn’t finish our opportunities quite as well.”
“Coming into [the] weekend, we felt we were capable of winning games at this level,” said the coach. “We played two very strong programs, and by playing them the way we did, now we know we can compete on this level.”
The Scarlet Knights opened up Big East play on Friday, when they lost to Seton Hall, 1-0. The Scarlet Knights (4-3, 0-1) had their opportunities, but were unable to convert thanks to good defense from the Pirates (4-2- 1, 1-0) and a great game by goalie Amanda Becker (six saves). After a scoreless first half, Seton Hall’s Alli Donofrio picked up her second goal of the season in the 57th minute to give the Pirates the lead. In the 74th minute, Rutgers’ Alicia Hall (Port Republic) had a breakaway opportunity but the pass went right into the hands of goalie Becker. Domenique Esposito (Rivervale) had a free kick in the 84th minute that was also saved by the Seton Hall keeper.
Sophomore Kristen Edmonds, joins Lang up front. Middletown North’s Jennifer Anzovino, also a sophomore, is another big-time scoring threat for the Scarlet Knights, playing both at forward and in the midfield.
Freshman Michelle Olivo, from Woodbridge High School, is another player Crooks turns to for offense, while senior Leia Rispoli, of South Brunswick, helps solidify the midfield.
Junior Courtney Roarty, of Edison, sees time at forward, but also helps sure up what is a stellar defensive unit once again.

