The Rutgers women’s soccer team opens its 2018 campaign on Friday night at Yurcak Field at 7 p.m. against Delaware. With many key players returning after a sixth consecutive season making the NCAA Tournament, as well as four straight of at least advancing to the second round, head coach Mike O’Neill has a strong collection of talent to work with once again.
In the preseason, Rutgers was voted to finish third in the Big Ten and open ranked 24th in the nation in the United Coaches Poll. Returning leading scorer Amirah Ali, who was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year last season, as well as senior captain Kenie Wright and 2017 All-Big Ten Second Team selection Chantelle Swaby, were all named to the conference preseason honors list.