Oct. 5, 2010
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This Week
The University of Iowa soccer team welcomes Big Ten foes Ohio State and Penn State to the Iowa Soccer Complex this weekend. Friday nights match is set to begin at 7 p.m. while Sunday’s kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Both matches will be broadcast on bigtennetwork.com and live stats will be available on hawkeyesports.com.
Scouting The Opponents
Ohio State boasts an undefeated record in league play, recording wins over Michigan (2-0) and Penn State (1-0, OT). Under the direction of veteran head coach Lori Walker, the Buckeyes rebounded from a loss to Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the season opener to post a record of 8-2-1.
The Buckeyes rally offensively behind Tiffany Cameron and Paige Maxwell. Cameron leads the team in scoring with three goals and four assists, while Maxwell leads the team in goals with four. Rachel Middleman and Katie Baumgardner have both spent time in goal for Ohio State.
Penn State heads into weekend play with a 3-7-1 record, 1-1-0 in Big Ten competition. The Nittany Lions have out-shot opponents (191-142) through 11 games, led by Christine Nairn, a sophomore who has fired at the net 43 times. Nairn also leads the team in points with nine from three goals and three assists. Senior Danielle Toney is also a scoring threat for the Lady Lions, netting four goals.
Krissy Tribbet anchors the defense as goalkeeper. Tribbett has made 31 saves and allowed 16 goals.
The Lady Lions are coached by fourth year Head Coach Erica Walsh.
Last Week
Iowa traveled to Madison to compete against Wisconsin last weekend. The Hawkeyes fell to the Badgers, 2-0.
Keys To The Game
Head Coach Ron Rainey gives his insight to finding success over this weekend’s tough competition.
In the attacking third, the Hawkeyes will work to execute with precision. Pin-point passes, quality one-touches and precise movements will all be crucial in Iowa’s game plan.
“We need to look for moments that we can take people on in the attack,” Rainey said. “We are going to work to get shots off close to the goal.”
Iowa’s back line has been ruthless all season, but entering Big Ten play adds a level of pressure. The conference is loaded with talented athletes that the Hawkeyes have to stop. One thing that works in the home team’s favor is its ability to function efficiently as a group.
“Our goals defensively will be to defend very well as a whole,” said Rainey. “Avoiding mental or physical mistakes that lead to goals will be very important.”
The communication between junior goalkeeper Emily Moran and senior co-captain Jenna Aleo as well as junior Rachel Blakesley and sophomore Kat Lewis is an advantage for Iowa.
Home Team Advantage
The Hawkeyes have not been beaten on their home turf since the first game of the season against DePaul (Aug. 20).
With a number of factors influencing the success at home, Rainey thinks one of the important components is the fans.
“Our home crowds have been great,” said Rainey. “They really help to motivate our team.”
Hawkeye fans have come out to support the team all season, averaging 328 supporters per match.
Another determining factor to success in Iowa City can be attributed to the lack of interruption in the student-athletes’ lives. Not missing class and keeping a normal routine without travel is beneficial for the team as a whole.
Hawkeye Games Streamed Live
The Big Ten Network will be streaming games live on www.bigtennetwork.com from the Iowa Soccer Complex throughout the season.
This weekend’s games against Ohio State (Oct. 8) and Penn State (Oct. 10) will be streamed live on the network’s website.
Fans will still be able to catch the action online when the Hawkeyes travel to Northwestern (Oct. 21) and Michigan (Oct. 29).
Check local listings for replays of the action on Big Ten Network.
Girl Scout Weekend
The University of Iowa women’s soccer team welcomes the Girl Scout Troops to the Iowa Soccer Complex this weekend.
Fans of the Iowa Hawkeyes that are also members of the Girl Scouts are encouraged to attend Sunday afternoon’s game. There will be a Hawkeye coloring contest as well as free Big Ten Network drawstring bags for the first 100 fans.
Friday night, the first 100 fans will receive free Hawkeye lanyards.