Aug. 26, 2011
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women’s soccer team defeated Western Illinois, 6-1, Friday night at the Iowa Soccer Complex. The Hawkeyes dominated possession throughout the game, leading to the third win of the season.
Iowa’s attack in the first half was unstoppable, netting five goals in the 45 minute period. The first to strike was Leah DeMoss just three minutes into the game. Freshman Cloé Lacasse pushed the ball up the left side, nearing the back line, but shot the cross over to DeMoss at the right corner of the 6-yard box. DeMoss sealed the deal with a chip shot after the opposing keeper got caught on Lacasse’s footwork.
In the 13th minute, Iowa was awarded with a corner kick opportunity. Morgan Showalter launched the kick into the box, but the Fighting Leathernecks cleared it from the inside box. DeMoss got the ball on the left side and turned it around nearly 18 yards out. With an off-balance shot, DeMoss buried the ball into the back of the net.
The Hawkeyes fired several more shots at freshman goalkeeper, Victoria Kappel, but none were successful until Lacasse used skilled footwork to beat the right side defender and get an angled shot across the goal line.
With the attack in full control of the ball, Iowa netted a late pair of insurance goals before the half time break. Sophomore Ashley Catrell had a clear look and straight shot from 15 yards out at the 38:38 mark and junior Gabrielle Ainsworth used her head to increase the score five minutes later.
Western Illinois rejuvenated during the break and started the second half with an early goal. Amy Bennett took aim at freshman goalkeeper Kiley Beck, but her shot was rejected by the crossbar. Junior Katie Condon was able to rebound the ball and sneak one passed Beck, for the visitor’s only score of the match.
Despite the early half surge, Iowa quickly regained control of the momentum and pushed the ball up the field. Sophomore Katie Nasenbenny checked into the game in the 63rd minute and fired the ball into the net four minutes later. Freshman Nicole Urban got the ball around the midfield and pushed ahead on a breakaway before serving it to Nasenbenny 20 yards out. The goal was Nasenbenny’s third in two games.
Senior Emily Moran is credited with the win, but the goalkeeper depth chart was depleted in a solid team effort that led to the win. Beck started the second 45-minute period and was relieved by classmate Caitlin Schnorbach at 68:11. Moran tallied two saves, while Beck had three.
“I think the team did a good job of finishing in the first half and getting free in the attacking third,” said Head Coach Ron Rainey. “It allowed for some goal scoring chances and some good goals. We had good team work and good individual work. Our effort allowed us to play a lot of people. I think everyone is pretty happy with themselves.”
The last time Iowa scored six goals in a single game was against Northern Iowa (Sept. 10, 2010). Iowa earned the 6-0 decision to maintain a perfect 8-0-0 all-time record against the Panthers.
Iowa takes the field next weekend in Washington, D.C., facing George Washington (Sept. 2) and American (Sept. 4). The Hawkeyes are set to play Friday night at 4 p.m. (CT) and Sunday at 12 p.m. (CT).