NEWARK, N.J. – The Rutgers-Newark women's soccer team opened the 2026 season in dominant fashion Friday afternoon, shutting out CCNY, 3-0, on the opening day of the Brick City Classic at Frederick Douglass Field.
The Scarlet Raiders controlled the match from start to finish, finishing with a 22-1 advantage in shots while holding CCNY without a shot on goal.
The Scarlet Raiders wasted little time finding their rhythm as Vielka Fernandez put Rutgers-Newark on the board in the fifth minute. Fernandez struck again in the 19th minute, this time off an assist from Samantha Vieira, to give the Scarlet Raiders a 2-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Rutgers-Newark continued to pressure CCNY following the break, with Vieira adding a goal in the 59th minute off an assist from Keliah Cottrell to extend the lead to 3-0.
Fernandez led the Scarlet Raiders' attack with seven shots, putting all seven on target. Vieira finished with a goal and an assist, while Cottrell added three shots and an assist.
The Scarlet Raiders were equally impressive defensively, limiting CCNY to just one shot throughout the contest. Transfer goalkeeper Hailey Sharpe made her Rutgers-Newark debut between the posts, playing all 90 minutes and recording the shutout in her first appearance as a Scarlet Raider.
Rutgers-Newark returns to action Sunday at 1:30 p.m., hosting Bard College on the final day of the Brick City Classic at Frederick Douglass Field.
For the latest news, updates, and information on Rutgers-Newark Athletics, visit rutgersnewarkathletics.com. Fans can also stay up to date by following the Scarlet Raiders on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
