An otherwise ordinary women’s soccer match between Rutgers and UMass briefly devolved into chaos Sunday when punches started flying.
UMass’ Ashley Lamond appeared to take exception to a foul by Rutgers’ Gia Girman, running over to confront the Scarlet Knights forward, who didn’t receive her kindly. Punches were thrown, and Lamond was ultimately thrown to the ground before both were ejected.
UMass got the better of Rutgers, winning 1-0, but Girman appeared to get the better of Lamond in the fight.
Here’s a look at the full video of the brawl that broke out Sunday in Amherst.
MORE: Ranking the top 10 women’s soccer players of all time
Rutgers-UMass soccer brawl video
Punches were thrown in the 36th minute of Sunday’s women’s soccer game between Rutgers and UMass.
Crazy scenes today in Amherst, as a fight broke out between in a game between Rutgers and UMass, with multiple punches being thrown. Gia Girman of Rutgers and Ashley Lamond from UMass were both sent off as a result.
UMass went on to win 1-0.#CollegeSoccer #NCAASoccer pic.twitter.com/nvmhU4WStb
— College Soccer News (@ncaasoccernews) August 25, 2024
Girman appeared to try to make a play on the ball but instead took down a UMass player, who fell down hard on the turf. Girman also ended up on the ground, and Lamond was in her face by the time she got to her feet.
Girman threw Lamond back down onto the field, appearing to connect with a punch while the two were still standing and again when she had Lamond on the ground.
A red card came out for both Girman and Lamond. Girman initially looked surprised when she saw the red card, but she quickly started to make her way off the field.
NJ Advance Media’s Brian Fonseca reported Girman is “likely” to receive a two-game suspension for her role. Girman, a senior, scored two goals in 17 games in 2023 and started each of Rutgers’ first three games this season.
A fight broke out during Rutgers women’s soccer’s loss to UMass this afternoon.
Scarlet Knights senior forward Gia Girman is likely to receive a two-game suspension for her involvement in the squirmish. pic.twitter.com/k7fbHkYPFO
— Brian Fonseca (@briannnnf) August 25, 2024
UMass jumped in front on a goal by Bella Recinos in the 81st minute of Sunday’s match and held on for the home victory.
