Sept. 2, 2011
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WASHINGTON, D.C. —The University of Iowa women’s soccer team defeated George Washington Friday night in Washington, D.C. The Hawkeyes put up four goals in regulation to improve their record to 4-0.
The Hawkeyes had a slow start, recording just two shots to GW’s six in the first 20 minutes of play. It was half way through the first 45-minute period before Iowa’s attack put the pressure on. Freshman Cloe Lacasse and sophomore Katie Nasenbenny challenged Colonial keeper Lindsey Rowe with three consecutive shots. Rowe was able to make the saves, but the attempts got Iowa’s offense started. The pair currently leads Iowa’s scoring this season.
Junior Dana Dalrymple was able to find the net at 39:34. The team’s 2010 offensive MVP intercepted a ball and converted the opportunity from 20 yards out with a solid finish. The Hawkeyes carried the one goal lead into the half time break.
After the 15 minute rest, Iowa came out firing, taking multiple shots at the opposing net in the opening minutes. George Washington committed a foul in the box in the 52nd minute and Iowa was rewarded with a penalty kick opportunity. Lacasse stepped up and found the net for her fourth goal of the season.
Iowa quickly regained possession after the post-goal kickoff. Sophomore Leah DeMoss sent one in just 40 seconds after Lacasse’s goal. The ball sailed high. Junior Jade Grimm also tested the skills of GW’s goalkeeper, but her attempt was blocked.
Sophomore Alex Melin continued Iowa’s relentless efforts with a rebound on Grimm’s blocked shot. Melin’s ball found the net at the 54:06 mark, improving Iowa’s lead to three goals.
Iowa’s mix of experience and newcomers paid off in the 59th minute when senior Alyssa Cosnek fed Lacasse near the goal. Lacasse was able to chip the ball in over Rowe’s hands and net her second score of the game.
The Colonials converted a header shot at the 66:20 minute mark. Taylor Katz was able to hit the net with her header shot after teammate Molly Bruh sent the cross in.
Senior Emily Moran recorded 90 minutes between the posts, making two saves and allowing one goal. Iowa’s all-time leader in career wins earned the 26th win of her career with the 4-1 decision Friday night.
“I think we had a great rhythm from 20 minutes left in the first half to 20 left in the game,” Head Coach Ron Rainey said. “We moved the ball around, and had very good finishes. George Washington is a team that fought hard all 90 minutes. We are pleased with results and looking forward to Sunday. We want to take tonight’s great 50 min stretch to future games and add a solid start and finish.”
The last time Iowa opened the season with four consecutive wins was in 2000. Then head coach Wendy Logan led the team to wins over UW-Green Bay (5-1), Northern Illinois (3-0), UNLV (3-0) and Utah State (2-1).
Rainey and his squad will take on American University Sunday. The game is scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. (CT).