Nov. 2, 2011
EVANSTON, Ill. — The University of Iowa women’s soccer team suffered a quarterfinal loss to Michigan State Wednesday in the Big Ten Tournament. The teams battled to a scoreless draw through 110 minutes of play and the Hawkeyes fell, 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
The Hawkeyes started strong, keeping possession for much of the first 45-minute period. Early in the match, senior Alyssa Cosnek saw an opportunity around the 18-yard line, but was tripped up by a Michigan State defender and unable to convert. The offense continued to put the pressure on deep in the Spartan’s half of the field, creating several chances despite being unable to find the net.
Michigan State equaled Iowa’s chances on net as well. Senior goalkeeper Emily Moran made three saves and her supporting defense allowed just five shots total in the first period. One of those shots narrowly missed the net, as it was rejected by the post with Moran fully extended trying to make the stop.
Neither team was able to find the net during the second half of play, despite both playing with a sense of urgency. The Hawkeyes had several possessions inside the box, but Michigan State’s defense did not waiver under the pressure.
The game played 110 minutes through two periods of extra time. Iowa controlled the ball for much of the first 10-minute period, while Michigan State forced the ball up the field during the second. The game ended in a 0-0 tie, resulting in a shootout decision.
Each team selected five student-athletes to fire the deciding penalty kicks from 12-yards out. For Iowa, junior Jade Grimm was first on the list, followed by senior Morgan Showalter, sophomore Alex Melin , senior Rachel Blakesley and freshman Cloe Lacasse. The Hawkeyes sent three into the net, but fell just short of Michigan State’s four conversions.
“Both teams played hard today,” head coach Ron Rainey said. “Penalty kicks are a tough way to end a game, for both the winner and loser. However, I think this season was incredible because of the effort level we had and results this team achieved. We made ourselves relevant in the Big Ten and that was awesome to see.”
The Hawkeyes conclude the season with a 13-4-3 overall record, 5-4-2 in conference play.