Sept. 19, 2010
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LINCOLN, NE – The University of Iowa soccer team traveled to Lincoln, NE for a Sunday afternoon match with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The future Big Ten opponents were too much for Iowa to handle, earning a 3-1 decision.
The Hawkeyes were wrapped up in a physical game at the Nebraska Soccer Field, but Iowa’s strong defense and quick offense kept the team one step ahead of the home team for the majority of the first half. However, a slip up with just 57 seconds remaining in the first period left the Hawkeyes trailing 1-0 going into the half time break.
Iowa sophomore Jade Grimm faced Nebraska goalkeeper, Emma Stevens, in a one-on-one battle in the 63rd minute. A key pass from Kat Lewis and Grimm’s athletic ability boosted her past the opposing keeper, allowing her to net the equalizer for the Hawkeyes.
Nebraska’s offense was keen on the field, capitalizing on a corner kick in the 65th minute. Jordan Jackson sent a header shot over the hands of Iowa goalkeeper, Emily Moran, to put the Huskers ahead. Following an Iowa foul in the box, Nebraska netted a penalty kick in the 81st minute to finalize the game.
“Our energy level was better today than the last few Sunday games,” Head Coach Ron Rainey said of his team’s efforts. “The team worked hard, but Nebraska is an extremely athletic and physical team, similar to the teams we will face in the Big Ten. Unfortunately, we gave up a quick goal after we tied it up, and that makes it hard. I am proud of the way we played the second half. In the first half, we weren’t stringing passes together well. That is something we will be working on in practice this next week. Nebraska is the type of team we will face this next month in the Big Ten. We have to raise our level of play through the next 5 weeks.”
The Hawkeyes return to Iowa City for a game at the Iowa Soccer Complex Thursday night. Iowa welcomes Minnesota to town for the first Big Ten match of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.