Aug. 24, 2012
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women’s soccer team registered its third straight shutout to start the season for the first time in program history with a dominating win against Loyola University Chicago. The Hawkeyes (3-0-0) defeated Loyola (1-1-0), 4-0, Friday evening at the Iowa Soccer Complex.
Iowa has notched shutouts of 5-0, 3-0 and 4-0 this season. Iowa’s goal total of 12 through three games is tied for second best in school history. The performance also marked the first time Iowa has started with three shutouts.
“I’m excited about two things; we’re not giving up a ton of chances defensively and our players have confidence on defense, and we stressed Loyola’s back line and finished our opportunities,” said head coach Ron Rainey. “Those are things that are important to do, and it was encouraging to see that from our players tonight.”
The Hawkeyes played one of its best halves of soccer this season in the first period, controlling much of the possession en route to a 3-0 advantage over the Ramblers. The Hawkeyes outshot the Ramblers 10-1 in the first half and possessed the ball in the attacking end of the field for much of the period.
Junior Ashley Catrell put the Hawkeyes on the board first, scoring a goal in the 15th minute. The Overland Park, Kan., native found net on a hard hit shot from inside the 18-yard box.
Only four minutes later sophomore Cloe Lacasse would add to Iowa’s advantage. Lacasse dribbled into the baseline from the left side of the box, and took a shot to beat Loyola goalkeeper Carly Stevens. It was Lacasse’s fourth goal of the season.
Sophomore Katie Nasenbenny scored the final goal of the half with an impressive strike from just inside the 18 yard box. Nasenbenny’s shot dipped just under the crossbar to give the Hawkeyes a 3-0 advantage.
Freshman Hannah Clark started in goal for the Hawkeyes, and held Loyola scoreless. Clark handled a threatening cross from the Ramblers in the 36th minute, and would notch her first save with a diving save in the 43rd minute on a shot from Ana Claud Michelini. Clark improved to 3-0-0 as the starting keeper.
“I think it was our best half of soccer, right up there with the second half against Eastern Illinois,” said Rainey. “There were segments where we put them under quite a bit of pressure.”
Catrell became the second Hawkeye of the season to score two goals in a match with another tally in the 61st minute. Catrell scored on a great assist from Lacasse as the Hawkeyes went ahead 4-0. Catrell has four goals through three games this season.
“Ashley is a goal scorer, and I think that we want her to do what she has to in the midfield, but we really want to get the ball at her feet inside the box,” said Rainey. “Ashley just puts away goals, and we always need that.”
The Hawkeyes would preserve the shutout with a solid defensive effort in the second half. Freshman Meg Goodson saw her first collegiate action, performing admirably in replacement of Clark. Goodson, who was sidelined with a concussion during the first two games, notched four saves and kept Loyola at bay.
Iowa has gone 3-0 to start the season five times in program history. The Hawkeyes went undefeated through 11 games last season with 10 wins and one tie. Iowa is undefeated in its last 13 consecutive nonconference matches dating back Sept. 19, 2010. The Hawkeyes have won their last 12 nonconference matches as well, outscoring their opponents 53-5 in that stretch.
The Hawkeyes will play on the road for the first time, taking on Northern Iowa this Sunday in Waterloo, Iowa. The match will begin at 2 p.m. at the Cedar Valley Youth Soccer Complex.