Dec. 7, 2009
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch (2009-10 season)
- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- Iowa soccer wallpaper
- Iowasoccer.com
Record
The University of Iowa soccer team started the 2009 season with an 8-4 record, which was tied for the best start in school history, and finished 9-11. Iowa’s eight wins at home this season is also the most the program has ever recorded. The Hawkeyes faced a tough schedule with eight opponents either being ranked or previously ranked when they faced Iowa.
Individual Standouts
Iowa had a team full of talent this season. Three players pushed their way into the books, while a fourth player jumped spots on a record list. Goalkeeper Emily Moran recorded a career-high nine wins. Moran moved into three different Iowa records lists. Morgan Showalter broke two records last season as a freshman, and showed no sign of slowing during her sophomore campaign, breaking into two more categories, (season individual game-winning goals, 3, and career assists, 14). Keli McLaughlin scored nine times for the Hawkeyes. The junior ties fellow teammate Alyssa Cosnek and former Iowa players Kate Walse and Beth Oldenburg for eighth on the season individual goals list. Cosnek, previously tied for fourth, moved into a four-way tie for second on the career game-winning goals list with seven.
“The past two seasons a lot of the minutes have been taken by young players, but they still need to make big strides in the off season,” Head Coach Ron Rainey said. “We really need them to have a great spring to take it to the next level. The players getting the time now still need to work to keep their spots.”
Big Ten Laurels
The Black and Gold were honored four times this year with four different players honored in the Big Ten. Freshman Alyscha Mottershead earned the conference’s Offensive and Freshman Player of the Week awards following her efforts in Iowa’s wins against Loyola-Chicago and Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The Brampton, Ontario native scored three times and recorded one assist. McLaughlin was named co-Offensive Player of the Week the following week, marking the first time in Iowa history two players have earned the award in the same season. The Alsip, IL native recorded three of Iowa’s five goals over Iowa State and Northern Iowa.
Freshman Jade Grimm was named to the Big Ten’s all-Freshman team. Grimm played nearly every minute for Iowa as a part of a defense that recorded six shutouts in 10 games and held opponents scoreless for over 409-straight minutes.
Senior co-captain Heather Windsor was selected as Iowa’s nominee for the Big Ten’s sportsmanship award.
State Supremacy
The Hawkeyes have never lost to an in-state foe during Rainey’s four year tenure. Iowa continued its streak this season, recording wins over Iowa State (2-0) and Northern Iowa (3-0) at home and defeated Drake on the road, 1-0. Iowa leads the all time series history against Drake (4-1) and Northern Iowa (6-0).
Senior Class Standouts
The 2009 senior class has been a staple for Iowa’s success in the previous four years. Iowa has won 32 games in the last four years, compared to only 20 wins in the previous four years. Under their leadership, the program doubled the amount of wins against Big Ten opponents, and made two Big Ten tournament appearances.
“I really think this year is going to be remembered for how much better our team competed in the Big Ten. We ran the attack for a full 90 minutes,” Rainey said. “Our seniors really showed great leadership in their four years here. I think they set a great example for the team to follow.”
Looking Ahead
“We are really excited to work hard in the off season. Our team is going to get into the weight room and condition to play hard during the spring season,” Rainey said. “I think the team is really looking forward to the competition in the spring. We want our players to challenge each other as much as possible and work hard for their spots. The main goal of the offseason is to make big strides, not only on the soccer field, but academically as well. We’re very excited for the great opportunities in front of us next season.”