Oct. 7, 2012
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MINNEAPOLIS — The University of Iowa women’s soccer team used a fine-tuned defensive effort to battle to a third straight double over-time draw. The Hawkeyes (11-1-3, 2-1-3) drew, 0-0, with Minnesota (7-6-1, 2-3-1) Sunday afternoon at the Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.
The Hawkeyes set the program record for shutouts in a season, earning their tenth shutout of the year with five regular season matches remaining. Iowa earned nine shutouts last season. The Hawkeyes, who are undefeated in their past five Big Ten matches, improved their active shutout streak to 331 minutes. “We’ve played three straight 0-0 matches, and each of them has been different,” said head coach Ron Rainey. “I’ve liked some of the chances we’ve been able to create, and our defense has been sound. We’ll keep asking for this effort on defense every time out, and hopefully create more chances on the attacking end.”
Junior Ashley Catrell provided Iowa’s first scoring opportunity of the match, firing a shot from inside the box that was saved by Minnesota goalkeeper Cat Parkhill in the eighth minute. The Overland Park, Kan., native also got off a shot in the 30th minute that would earn the Hawkeyes a corner kick.
Iowa’s best look of the half came in the 37th minute as Catrell beat her marker down the left flank and played a thru ball inside the box. Senior Allie Adam, who came off the bench in the 36th minute, fired a shot with her first touch from eight yards out, but it sailed wide.
The Hawkeyes held the Golden Gophers to one shot on goal in the opening frame, which was saved by freshman Meg Goodson. Goodson started in the first period, and increased her shutout streak to 252 minutes. Goodson has a .895 save percentage and a 0.62 goals against average. Iowa has allowed an opponent to score in the first half just once this season.
After a Hawkeye corner kick in the 67th minute, Catrell would challenge the Golden Gopher goalkeeper yet again. Catrell fired a shot from outside the box that went on target, but Jackie Voigt made the save. Freshman Hannah Clark stopped three would-be goals for Iowa with saves in the 77th, 83rd and 89th minute. Clark made five saves in the second half to preserve the stalemate.
Iowa dominated possession in the first overtime period, but didn’t have anything to show for it as the match went to a second overtime period. Iowa held Minnesota without a shot in the first ten minutes of overtime action.
Catrell nearly ended the contest in the 100th minute, as the Minnesota backline missed a clearing opportunity and Catrell broke free into the box. Catrell’s shot went wide. Iowa generated two more scoring chances on breakaway opportunities by sophomore Cloe Lacasse and senior Dana Dalrymple, but neither could get shots off as the match ended in a draw.
Iowa tallied eight saves and eight blocks on defense to hold Minnesota and Taylor Uhl, the nation’s leading goal scorer, without a goal. Catrell led Iowa’s offense with four shots and two shots on target. Clark, the reigning Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week, finished with seven saves. Clark improved her save percentage to .932 and her goals against average to 0.37.
The Hawkeyes will return home for the first time in three weeks, hosting Ohio State and Penn State at the Iowa Soccer Complex. First touch for the Hawkeyes and Buckeyes is set for 7 p.m. on Friday. Iowa and the Nittany Lions will get started at 1 p.m. (CT) on Sunday