PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Purdue rallied from a one-goal halftime deficit with two second-half goals to defeat Rutgers, 2-1, Sunday afternoon at Yurcak Field. The Boilers earned their most-wins since 2021 now 8-1-1 on the season and their first-ever win in Piscataway.
The Boilermakers improved to 8-1-1 overall and 2-1-0 in Big Ten play, overcoming an early second-half deficit with goals from Megan Santa Cruz and Irene Campo. Krystina Wolf made one save to earn the victory, earning her eighth win on the season.
Rutgers opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Olivia Russomanno found the back of the net in the 36th minute.
Purdue answered early in the second half, generating pressure around the Rutgers goal before drawing a foul in the box in the 63rd minute. Santa Cruz converted the penalty kick in the 63rd minute to level the match at 1-1. The goal was Santa Cruz's fifth of the season, a career-high for the senior.
PERFECT👌#BoilerUp🚂 pic.twitter.com/l8KvTem2dC
— Purdue Soccer (@PurdueSoccer) September 20, 2026
The Boilermakers continued to pressure after the equalizer, earning three corner kicks and putting multiple shots on target before Campo broke through in the 76th minute. Campo's fourth goal of the season, in the 76th minute, put Purdue ahead 2-1.
BOILERS TAKE THE LEAD😤
— Purdue Soccer (@PurdueSoccer) September 20, 2026
Irene Campo puts us ahead for her fourth goal of the season!
76' | Purdue 2, Rutgers 1 pic.twitter.com/n6fYUkA94D
This is Purdue’s first come-from-behind victory this season. Campo's lone shot was the game-winning goal.
For more on the Purdue soccer team, visit PurdueSports.com/Soccer and follow and connect with the Boilermakers at @PurdueSoccer on Twitter/X, Instagram and Facebook.