Opening Match at Regal Soccer Stadium
Rutgers opened its 2026 women's soccer campaign on a chilly evening at Regal Soccer Stadium, where the Scarlet Knights fell 4-1 to the No. 24 Tennessee Volunteers. The visitors struck first, finding the net in the ninth minute, but the lead was short‑lived.
Tennessee answered with a penalty kick just ten minutes later, flipping the scoreboard to 2‑0 by halftime. The Volunteers continued to press, and Kai Tsakiris added a second goal in the 32nd minute after a set‑piece, extending the advantage.
Rutgers finally got on the board when Emma Johns curled a shot into the bottom right corner with fifteen minutes remaining, sparking a brief rally. The goal marked Johns's first collegiate tally and gave the home side a glimmer of hope.
Four freshmen made their collegiate debuts for Rutgers, including Lilia Calvert, Amanda Thornton, Bea Tinoco, and Tommi Rose Valente, while Lily Ann Phillips entered the midfield for her first appearance.
Across the back line, goalkeeper Olivia Bodmer logged four saves, pushing her career total to 214 and cementing her spot among the program's all‑time leaders.
Despite the effort, the Volunteers sealed the match with two more goals, including a second strike from Kylee Simmons on a well‑timed cross. Rutgers will look to rebound when they travel to Storrs next Thursday to face UConn at 7:30 p.m.
The Scarlet Knights will need to tighten defensive organization and capitalize on early chances if they hope to compete with the Huskies, who have started the season with a strong offensive rhythm.