Aug. 21, 2011
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone app!
- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women’s soccer team secured a victory over Southeast Missouri State, 2-1, Sunday afternoon in the first game of the season at the Iowa Soccer Complex. A staunch defensive effort carried the Hawkeyes through the tough 90-minute battle.
Iowa was quick to strike with a goal in the seventh minute. Sophomore Katie Nasenbenny connected after a free kick from senior Morgan Showalter reached the 18-yard box. The header shot sailed over SEMO keeper Ashton Aubuchon’s hands to put Iowa ahead 1-0 early in the game.
Redhawk sophomore Jacey Boyko found the net on a hard-angled shot from the right side shortly before the half time break. The ball snuck past Iowa’s Emily Moran and hit the top left corner of the net. Nikki Edwards was credited with the assist. Both teams were physical throughout the first half, resulting in the majority of the 45-minute period to be played in the middle third of the field.
The Hawkeyes came out of the halftime break with a scoring mindset and a strong attack. Iowa was able to get the ball inside of the box, but was fouled before the shot at the 45:51 mark, resulting in a penalty kick opportunity. Nasenbenny’s penalty kick was saved, but the opposing keeper was unable to wrap up the ball, allowing Nasenbenny to turn the rebound into a game-winning goal.
Despite the relentless efforts of Southeast Missouri State’s offense in the second half, Moran was able to keep all attempts clear of the net. The senior collected four saves and became Iowa’s all-time career win leader with the 24th win of her career. The Kent, Ohio native, played all 90 minutes in goal for the Hawkeyes.
Nasenbenny led Iowa’s offense with four shots and two goals. Rachel Blakesley, Alex Melin and Cloé Lacasse recorded three shots a piece.
“It’s nice to be on the right end of the result today,” said Head Coach Ron Rainey. “However, as we go through more Friday, Sunday weekends, we would like to see ourselves cut down on mental mistakes in the Sunday match. It was good to see how we opened each half, and now we have to work on a ton of different things and work on cutting down mental mistakes.”
Rainey and the Hawkeyes return to action Aug. 26 at the Iowa Soccer Complex. Iowa hosts Western Illinois in a 7 p.m. game.