Box Score CAMDEN, N.J. – The Rutgers University-Camden women's soccer team had to work double overtime in their home opener here Thursday night, but senior midfielder
Laura Rathof (National Park, NJ/Gateway Regional) made the extra effort pay off.
Rathof collected a loose ball near the right of the box and fired a shot into the left side of the net with 5:30 remaining in the second overtime period, lifting the Scarlet Raptors to a 1-0 non-conference victory over Widener University.
The result leaves both teams with a 2-3 record.
Rutgers-Camden, which opened its season with four games away from Rutgers-Camden Community Park as it participated in a pair of tournaments, started slowly in its home opener before clicking into gear in the second half. Although Widener only held a 6-4 advantage in shots during the opening half, the Pride controlled the play and barely missed a goal with three minutes left in the half when senior midfielder
Angelique Matusz (Barnegat, NJ/Barnegat) put a long shot off the crossbar.
The fortunes reversed in the second half, however, as Rutgers-Camden out-shot Widener, 9-4, and forced seven saves by Pride junior keeper
Olivia Pfautz (Ephrata, PA/Ephrata). Only six minutes into the second half, Pfautz made a key save off a shot from sophomore forward
Catherine Fiore (Oaklyn, NJ/Paul VI). Midway through the half, she made a nice save to deny Rathof.
The Pride, meanwhile, had a chance to win the game with 11:30 remaining when Raptor freshman keeper
Katie Gurba (Westampton, NJ/Holy Cross) came out of the net to break up a play. By the time Widener regained control of the ball, Gurba was able to rush back to save a shot by senior midfielder
Jenna Pedrick (Sicklerville, NJ/Paul VI). Both teams collected three shots in overtime, with Rathof ending the game midway through the second OT session. For the game, Rutgers-Camden held a 16-13 edge in shots and Widener had a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Gurba made eight saves while earning her second career win and second career shutout. Pfautz had 10 saves in the loss.
The Scarlet Raptors return to action Saturday, beginning another four-game road trip with a 1 p.m. game at Alvernia University.
Widener plays a 7:30 p.m. game at Rutgers-Newark Saturday.
