Aug. 31, 2012
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women’s soccer team defeated Iowa State Friday night at the ISU Soccer Complex to stay perfect on the season. The Hawkeyes (5-0-0) defeated the Cyclones (3-2-0), 3-1, in the first contest of the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series.
The Hawkeyes are off to their second best start in program history, and have won its five opening matches for the second consecutive season. Iowa has outscored its opponents 18-1 this season.
It’s the fifth consecutive season Iowa has knocked off Iowa State. The Hawkeyes have outscored the Cyclones 16-4 in that stretch. Iowa is undefeated against the Cyclones the past six seasons as well, with the last loss coming on Sept. 7, 2005.
“This is always an emotional game playing Iowa State, and I think that was the case tonight,” said UI head coach Ron Rainey, who earned his 148th career victory. “It was a great atmosphere and I have a lot of respect for the team we played tonight. We were very good in the first half of this match, and we’re happy to leave with a win.”
The Hawkeyes went into halftime with a lead for the fifth time this season, as goals from sophomores Katie Nasenbenny and Cloe Lacasse put Iowa up 2-0. Iowa outshot Iowa State 9-6 in the first half, and held a 5-2 advantage in shots on goal.
Iowa struck first in the 24th minute as Nasenbenny scored on Cyclone goalkeeper Maddie Jobe. Lacasse dribbled into the right corner of the box and drew attention from the Iowa State backline before sending a perfectly placed pass at the feet of Nasenbenny. Nasenbenny drilled a shot into the right corner for her second goal of the season.
The Hawkeyes scored again just four minutes later as Lacasse found net for her sixth goal of the season in the 28th minute. Junior Ashley Catrell’s thru ball found a seam between two Cyclone defenders as Lacasse would pick up the ball and dribble inside the 18-yard box before burying the goal.
Freshman Hannah Clark started in goal for the Hawkeyes, and looked solid when called upon. Clark saved shots from midfielder Marquette Pick (4′) and Brittany Morgan (20′).
Iowa would add to its advantage in the second half, giving themselves some room for comfort. Freshman Brooke Backes scored her second goal of the season in the 68th minute. Backes had a shot hit the post and bounce between her and Jobe. Backes was able to beat Jobe and find net.
Iowa’s shutout streak came to the end when Iowa State’s Emily Goldstein scored in the 87th minute on freshman goalkeeper Meg Goodson. Iowa went 447 minutes without giving up a goal to start the season.
“Getting the third goal in the second half was huge,” said Rainey. “We would have liked for that to relax us, but instead Iowa State really played with desperation. Next time we are in that situation, I hope we respond better.”
Lacasse led Iowa with a goal and an assist. She leads the team with six goals and four assists (16 points). Nasenbenny and Backes each had a goal and two shots on target. Catrell had three shots and an assist. Clark improved to 4-0-0 at goalkeeper, and is yet to allow a goal this season.
“We had a lot of people battle tonight, and we had our finishers finish, and that’s good to see,” said Rainey. “It’s a great team win.”
Iowa has won its past 14 non-conference matches, and has outscored its opponents 59-6 in that stretch. Iowa is undefeated in its last 15 non-conference matches with the last loss coming in Sept. 19, 2010.
The Hawkeyes will return to the Iowa Soccer Complex on Sunday, hosting Valparaiso. The Hawkeyes and Crusaders (2-1-1) will play at 1 p.m.