The Rutgers men’s soccer team, ranked No. 13 nationally, is set to host No. 21 Washington at Yurcak Field in Piscataway on Friday, October 17. The match will begin at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on B1G+.
This game coincides with Letterwinner Night and marks the start of the R NIL x Homecoming Weekend festivities. The Rutgers Boardwalk, sponsored by Visit New Jersey, will be open for two consecutive days beginning Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., offering activities such as carnival games, a ferris wheel, an inflatable Halloween obstacle course, and live music by Owls & Lions. Halloween decorations and various giveaways, including light-up sticks and trick-or-treating bags, will be available for attendees. Parking is designated in the blue and yellow lots.
Nick Collins was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday, October 14, earning his first weekly honor from the conference and marking the third such recognition for Rutgers this season. Collins contributed to Rutgers’ recent 4-2 win over Wisconsin, scoring the game-winning goal. He has started all 12 games this season, logging the second most minutes on the team and playing a key role in five shutouts.
In their previous match, Rutgers lost 2-0 on the road against No. 8 Maryland. The first half ended scoreless before Maryland secured two goals in quick succession during the second half.
Rutgers recently moved up to No. 13 in the United Soccer Coaches National Poll, its highest ranking since 2021. The Scarlet Knights are one of five Big Ten schools currently ranked nationally and are tied for third place in conference standings with 10 points. The team is also ranked No. 17 in RPI.
Goalkeeper Ciaran Dalton has become a fixture for Rutgers, now ranking fifth all-time with 58 career games played and 218 career saves. He recorded his 200th save earlier this season against Ohio State.
Seven returning players started at least ten games last year for Rutgers, including Dalton and Devon Stopek, who started every match in 2024. This season also features seven new transfers and a large freshmen class. Several transfers have already contributed goals and assists, while freshmen Braxton Montgomery and Jack Andrus have started every game on defense.
Washington enters Friday’s game following three consecutive wins, including a recent 3-0 victory over then-No. 12 Indiana. Richie Aman leads Washington in points with three goals and nine assists; Zach Ramsey leads in goals scored with five.
Following this home match, Rutgers will travel to play UCLA on October 24.
Fans can follow updates about Rutgers men’s soccer on social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
