DiPonzio, Ponce de Leon Tabbed as Big Ten Players of the Week
Oct 20 | Men's Soccer
PISCATAWAY, N.J. ā Rutgers men's soccer earned two of the fourĀ Big Ten weekly awards following its historic 1-0 victory over No. 2 Indiana. Francesco DiPonzio was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week and Rafael Ponce de Leon earned Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week honors.Ā
The weekly awards mark the third and fourth for RU this fall as Braxton Montgomery named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and William Pierce named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week on September 22. Ā
The Scarlet Knights handed the previously unbeaten Hoosiers their first loss of the season on Friday, Oct. 16, at Yurcak Field. DiPonzio provided the game-winning goal in the 73rd minute, while Ponce de Leon and the Rutgers defense recorded the team's fourth shutout of the season to secure the signature victory.Ā
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An unforgettable night in Piscataway š„āļø #GoRU | #RUMS https://t.co/xZWMSo81zU
ā Rutgers Men's Soccer (@RUMensSoccer) October 17, 2026
Di Ponzio Delivers Game-WinnerĀ
Di Ponzio scored the decisive goal in the 73rd minute, finding the back of the net after following his initial blocked attempt and collecting the rebound. The midfielder finished with his right foot to the far post, lifting Rutgers to its highest-ranked victory of the Jim McElderry and the Big Ten era.Ā
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72' | Stayed with it for the score š¤© šŗ B1G+ š https://t.co/7gdCPzrSiG #GoRU | #RUMS https://t.co/BUoLxBhgcf
ā Rutgers Men's Soccer (@RUMensSoccer) October 17, 2026
Di Ponzio led the Scarlet Knights with five shots, including two on goal, as Rutgers outshot Indiana, 14-9, and held an 8-1 advantage in shots on target. The goal marked his first of the season and secured Rutgers' second victory over a top-three opponent in 2026.Ā
Ponce de Leon Anchors Defensive EffortĀ
Ponce de Leon turned in a standout performance in goal, making one save to preserve the shutout against the nation's No. 2 team. His crucial stop came in the 32nd minute, denying Indiana from close range to keep the match scoreless.Ā
The goalkeeper and the Scarlet Knights' back line limited the Hoosiers to just one shot on goal throughout the contest, holding an Indiana attack that entered the match unbeaten off the scoreboard. The clean sheet was Rutgers' fourth of the season and Ponce de Leon's second.Ā
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