Women’s Soccer Selected Second in Big Ten Preseason Poll

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers women's soccer was picked to finish second in the Big Ten Conference, according to a preseason vote by the league coaches. Three Scarlet Knights – forward Amirah Ali, goalkeeper Meagan McClelland and back Chantelle Swaby - were named to the Big Ten Women's Soccer Preseason Honors List. The trio all helped guide Rutgers to its highest ever Big Ten finish in program history in 2018, finishing as runner up to the regular season title. The Scarlet Knights appeared at their fifth straight conference tournament since joining the league and their seventh straight NCAA appearance.Rutgers is receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll, while ranking 19th in the TopDrawerSoccer.com Preseason Poll. Ali, a 2019 MAC Hermann Trophy Candidate, became RU's most recent All-American after leading the team with 10 goals, five game winners and 23 points. Ali's heroics were on full display beyond the 90th minute as she registered a program record four golden goals, while assisting a fifth OT winner, to help keep RU unbeaten in an NCAA record 11 overtimes (6-0-5). McClelland returns to the net following a standout rookie season. McClelland was named the 2018 Big Ten Freshman of the Year after leading the conference in GAA (0.60) and shutouts (8) in the regular season. Additionally, her performance earned her Third Team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Freshman Team accolades. Swaby enters the lineup following a summer with the Jamaican Women's National team, starting three games for the nation in its first ever World Cup. Last season, Swaby picked up All-Big Ten Third Team honors, her second all-conference accolade. Swaby anchored a back line that registered eight shutouts on the year. Rutgers opens the season this Thursday, Aug. 22 against Central Connecticut State. Kickoff time is set for 7 p.m. ET at Yurcak Field.