Fight breaks out during Sunday’s UMass women's soccer game against Rutgers; 2 red cards issued

Staff Report

Published: 08-26-2024 3:39 PM

To say it was a chippy game at Rudd Field in Amherst on Sunday would be an understatement. 

The UMass women's soccer team held its home opener on Sunday against Rutgers, with 29 total fouls called between the two teams. 

The physical play came to a head in the 54th minute. Scarlet Knight forward Gia Girman was whistled for a foul after a hard tackle on a Minutewomen player. 

With Girman holding the ball while on the ground, UMass’ Ashley Lamond ran over and attempted to pull the ball out of her hands to resume play. Girman took exception and when arriving on her feet, a shoving match ensued between Girman and Lamond. That led to multiple punches being thrown before Girman threw Lamond to the ground. Multiple players then ran in to break up the fight.

Both Girman and Lamond were given red cards for the incident, with no other cards handed out. As of Monday, no suspensions had been announced by either school.

UMass’ Bella Recinos scored in the 81st minute to give the Minutewomen a 1-0 victory, their first victory of the 2024 season (1-2 overall). The club returns to action on Thursday when it hosts Harvard at 2 p.m.