By Raj Ghanekar

The No. 8-ranked Northwestern women’s soccer team’s seven game win streak came to an end Thursday night after their game against No. 10 Rutgers ended in a 1-1 draw. 

The ‘Cats lone goal was scored by senior forward Aurea del Carmen in the eighth minute after a beautiful cross from the left side of the box by junior Ella Hase. Hase’s assist soared over multiple defenders in the box and was headed by del Carmen, soaring past Scarlet Knights’ goalkeeper Meagan McClelland.

The Wildcats started the game with their foot on the gas pedal, putting immense pressure on the Rutgers defenders. After del Carmen’s goal, the ‘Cats continued to seek out chances in Scarlet Knights territory for the following 20 minutes. By the end of the half, the ‘Cats were still up 1-0, though with the momentum largely in their favor. 

Rutgers came back from halftime with an extra bit of electricity on offense, using some nice short passes to eat up space and get a nice look on goal in NU territory. A beautiful slip pass by Rutgers midfielder Sara Brocious led to a straight-on look for junior forward Allison Lowrey. Lowrey found the back of the net, shooting the ball right by Wildcats’ goalkeeper Mia Raben in the 47th minute.

The Wildcats had great opportunities in the rest of the second half, including three corner kicks and a few longer shots that sailed just over the net. Northwestern midfielder Josie Aulicino, Hase and forward Meg Boade led the Northwestern attacks in the second half, utilizing a more reserved, but consistent style of play on offense. 

Despite outshooting Rutgers 14-10, Northwestern was unable to find the net again and the match ended in a draw – the Wildcats second of the year. It was the first time Northwestern was held to just one goal since Sept. 11 against Butler. 

The Wildcats’ 3-0-1 record in Big Ten play is still tied for second-best in the conference. Northwestern will battle the University of Illinois Fighting Illini on Sunday in Urbana-Champaign.