PISCATAWAY, N.J. (Oct. 9, 2011) – Behind a strong defensive effort and a impressive game from junior goalkeeper Jessica Janosz (Ringwood, N.J.), Rutgers women’s soccer (7-6-2, 2-4-2) notched a 0-0 draw with RV Notre Dame (7-5-3, 4-2-2) Sunday afternoon at Yurcak Field.

“We don’t discuss the injuries or who doesn’t play, but we are down four potential starters. We have players stepping on the pitch and making positive contributions,” said head coach Glenn Crooks. “They are giving us opportunities to win a match like this. Overall, I am happy with the team and their effort. They talk about ‘ONE SWAG’ and that came through today.”

It was the third draw in the all-time series with the Irish, and the first since Oct. 22, 2004. The last three matches with Notre Dame have all been decided by one goal or less.

Junior April Price (Mechanicsville, Va.) had the best opportunity for the Scarlet Knights in the first half, beating most of the UND back line down the field and corralling a ball in front of the net. The target forward headed the ball over keeper Maddie Fox, but her shot was blocked by an Irish defender.

Although Rutgers outshot Notre Dame in the first half, 6-4, the Irish brought an offensive attack in the second stanza, outshooting the Scarlet Knights, 11-2. Janosz made two saves, while the RU back line blocked multiple UND chances.

The Rutgers offense – led by junior forward Stefanee Pace (Kearny, N.J.) – pressured Notre Dame throughout the second half, but could only muster two shots. Freshman Kristen Siano (Hong Kong) earned the best chance in the 75th minute, but Fox was there for the save.

At the start of the first overtime, Notre Dame rattled off three shots and two corner kicks, but Janosz and the RU defense stepped up to preserve the shutout. After Janosz made a diving save to her left on a Jessica Schuveiller shot, junior Shannon Woeller (Vancouver, Canada) made a save on the line for the Scarlet Knights.   

Freshman forward Stef Scholz (South Hackensack, N.J.) nearly ended the game 21 seconds into the second overtime, making a run on net ahead of the pack, but Fox dove on the ball in front of the net.

Making five saves on the afternoon, Janosz recorded 12 saves over 200 minutes of action this weekend and did not allow a goal.

Rutgers hits the road next weekend, heading to Louisville Friday and Cincinnati Sunday. The Scarlet Knights and Cardinals face off at 7 p.m. Friday night, while RU and UC is set to kick off at 1 p.m.

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