Minnesota (6-2-3, 2-1-1) handed Rutgers its first loss of the season on Friday.

Minnesota’s first regular-season win against Rutgers (8-1-2, 2-1-1) since Oct. 26, 2014 was a 2-1 victory at Yurcak Field in Piscataway, New Jersey. Forward Sydney Squires said Minnesota did not feel intimidated playing against the No. 16 team in the nation.

“We had a chip on our shoulder and something to prove. We came in and worked hard,” Squires said. “They were a talented team. [We were] fighting until the end.”

Tied at 1-1 in the 87th minute, Minnesota put another one in when Squires scored her tenth of the season. Bockin earned her second assist of the match.

Squires said scoring goals is not a difficult task.

“We pride ourselves on competitive days of practice,” Squires said. “Coming out and competing is our bread and butter.”

The win marked the 100th career win for head coach Stefanie Golan.

Forward Maddie Castro opened the scoring in the 35th minute. It was Castro’s first goal of her collegiate career. Forward April Bockin earned her eighth assist of the season on Castro’s goal. 

Golan said Castro’s goal ignited Minnesota.

“When you score a goal, it really bursts the energy for everybody,” Golan said. “The adrenaline starts running a little bit more. It gave us a little push.”

Rutgers tied the game in the 37th minute. Forward Alaysia Lane beat Minnesota goalkeeper Kailee Sharp for her first collegiate goal. The goal was unassisted.

Bockin said the Gophers weren’t discouraged after the end of the first half.

“Letting a goal in like that right after we scored a big one was hard,” Bockin said. “Our team rebounded well and came out in the second half with belief that we were going to put in another one.

Bockin said winning against a ranked opponent didn’t surprise her. 

“We knew this game was going to be a battle. [Rutgers] plays [a similar style] to us,” Bockin said. “We stuck to our game plan. It showed on the field. I don’t think anyone doubted that we were going to pull out a win.”