Oct. 22, 2006
IOWA CITY – The University of Iowa women’s soccer team wrapped up a very successful weekend with a scoreless double-overtime draw against No. 17 Purdue Sunday at the Iowa Soccer Complex. This weekend marks the first time since the 2002 season that Iowa went unbeaten over a Big Ten weekend.
Both teams came out slow to start the first half in cold and windy conditions, with wind chills in the mid-20’s with a 25 MPH wind.
Iowa created three excellent scoring chances in the second half, but Purdue goalkeeper Lauren Mason made three impressive saves to keep the Hawkeyes off the scoreboard. Junior Melisa Kaetterhenry created open space in the 61st minute for a shot that was blasted on frame, but Mason made a terrific diving grab to keep the shutout intact.
Iowa earned back-to-back corners in the 64th minute with the second producing a golden opportunity. After the corner was cleared out of the box, sophomore Stephanie Hyink chipped a cross back into the area. Sophomore Kelsey Shaw fought for position and drove a header to the far post, but Mason dove to make the stop.
Hyink had a point-blank goal saved late in the second half by Mason as well. Sophomore Katie Smeltzer served the ball into the box that found Hyink alone in front of net, who chipped a shot across the goal. The ball was headed across the goal line before Mason reached out to deny Hyink the go-ahead score.
The Hawkeyes continued to battle in the first overtime period, gaining two corners in the 93rd and 94th minute, but couldn’t net a goal as the match headed to the final overtime frame.
Hyink was able to get a shot on target in the 105th minute, but it deflected right into the hands of Mason.
The Hawkeye defense, including senior goalkeeper Ali Becker, was once again superb in their second consecutive shutout. Becker recorded five saves in her fourth shutout of the season.
The last time Iowa finished a Big Ten weekend unbeaten was October 4 and 6, 2002. Iowa defeated Minnesota, 1-0 and drew with Wisconsin, 1-1 in double-overtime. Iowa’s six shutouts this season is also the second most shutouts in school history, only one behind the school record of seven held by the 2002 squad.
“We are really happy with the result over the weekend,” Head Coach Ron Rainey said. “We fought hard through two tough double-overtime matches and earned four points against two top 25 teams. This is a good result for our program.”
Iowa finishes the 2006 regular season Friday at home against Illinois. Match time is set for 7 p.m.