Oct. 20, 2008
- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
- Iowa soccer wallpaper
- Iowasoccer.com
Complete Release in PDF Format
This Week
The University of Iowa soccer team (8-8-1, 2-4-1) returns home for its final three matches of the season, hosting Big Ten foes Northwestern Friday at 7 p.m. and Wisconsin this Sunday at 1 p.m.
Last Time Out
The Hawkeyes dropped a pair of close road bouts last weekend, losing by one goal at Ohio State and Penn State. Goals from freshman Morgan Showalter and sophomore Keli McLaughlin were not enough against Ohio State last Friday, as Iowa fell 3-2. Iowa played Penn State tough last Sunday, but lost 1-0 in overtime.
Rotating Goalkeepers
Sophomore Stephanie Swanson was given game action against Penn State after injuries to Iowa’s top two goalkeepers. Playing for the first time this season, the Downers Grove, IL, native made eight stops against an aggressive Nittany Lion offense.
Sophomore Kali Feiereisel will likely miss the remainder of the season with an arm injury. Freshman Emily Moran left the match against Penn State 25 minutes into the first half after suffering a leg injury.
Home Sweet, Home
Iowa has three matches remaining on the season, and all of them will take place at the UI Soccer Complex. The Hawkeyes’ home record this season stands at 6-2-0. Overall, Iowa has won 11 of its last 14 matches at the UI Soccer Complex, dating back to last season. The Hawkeyes are 13-7-3 at home during Head Coach Ron Rainey’s three-year tenure.
Upset Special!
Iowa’s win over then-No. 16 Illinois Oct. 10 was the first win the Hawkeyes have had over a ranked opponent in nearly two years. The last came Oct. 20, 2006, when Iowa upset then-No. 21 Indiana, 1-0, in Iowa City. Illinois was also the highest-ranked team Iowa has beaten since downing No. 13 Dartmouth, 3-1, in 2002.
The upset of Illinois assured the Hawkeyes of either equalling or surpassing last season’s win total of eight. Iowa is 8-8-1 with three matches left on the season.
Scouting Northwestern
Northwestern (8-7-1, 3-4-0) sits right above the Hawkeyes in the Big Ten standings. The Wildcats split a pair of matches last weekend, defeating Michigan, but falling to Michigan State.
They are led offensively by Amanda Hoffman (5 G), Jenny Dunn (4 G, 5 A), and Sam Greene (2 G, 6 A). Goalkeeper Carolyn Edwards has made 22 saves and recorded four shutouts.
Northwestern is coached by Stephanie Erickson, who is in her third season in Evanston. She owns a career record of 54-31-10, including a mark of 25-24-7 at Northwestern.
The Hawkeyes are 3-7-1 all-time against the Wildcats. Iowa lost 3-0 last season in Evanston and are winless in their last six attempts against Northwestern.
Scouting Wisconsin
Wisconsin (9-6-1, 3-4-0) gained two big conference wins last weekend, defeating Michigan and Michigan State in Madison. The Badgers are 0-4-1 on the road this season.
They are led offensively by Taylor Walsh (8 G, 1 A) and Laurie Nosbusch (7 G, 6 A). Goalkeeper Jaime Klages has made 64 saves on the season and also has five shutouts.
Head coach Paula Wilkins is in her second season and owns a career record of 134-36-13. In two years at Wisconsin, Wilkins is 15-17-2.
Iowa is 2-7-2 all-time against Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes lost 2-0 last season in Madison and have not defeated the Badgers since 2000.
Up Next…
Iowa closes the season with Big Ten border-rival Minnesota Oct. 31, in the final regular season match. The Hawkeyes shocked Minnesota, 1-0, last season in Minneapolis to earn a berth into the 2007 Big Ten Tournament.
The Black and Gold will then prepare to host the Big Ten Tournament Nov. 6-9. They have already clinched a spot in the tournament due to being the host site.