Oct. 14, 2012
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women’s soccer team held an advantage in every statistical category except for the one that matters most against fourth-rated Penn State. Despite outshooting the Nittany Lions (14-2-0, 8-0-0) and possessing the ball for long stretches, the Hawkeyes (11-3-3, 2-3-3) fell, 2-1, Sunday at the Iowa Soccer Complex.
The Hawkeyes held a 23-15 advantage in shots, a 6-5 lead in shots on goal and an 8-4 advantage in corner kicks, but couldn’t find an equalizer down the stretch against the Big Ten’s top team. Iowa had its most shots since its sixth match of the season.
Sophomore Cloe Lacasse tallied her 12th goal of the season in the 19th minute, but a pair of goals from Taylor Schram provided the difference, as the Nittany Lions won their ninth consecutive match.
“We went toe-to-toe with the No. 4 team in the country, and I’m really proud of the way we competed,” said Rainey. “I think this program has advanced to the point where a loss like this hurts.”
Penn State put Iowa in an early hole with a goal in the fourth minute. Penn State’s Emily Hurd crossed the ball into the box from out wide, and a flick shot from Schram dribbled to the far post to beat freshman Meg Goodson. Goodson played in the first half at goal for Iowa and came up with two saves. Goodson has an .837 save percentage and a 0.93 goals against average this season.
The Hawkeyes would come storming back, taking 12 shots in the first period. Lacasse tied the contest in the 19th minute after a great through ball from Ashley Catrell. Lacasse got behind her defender, and took a touch to the left to shoot around goalkeeper Erin McNulty, who was charging the ball. Lacasse’s low shot from just outside the 18-yard box rolled inside of the far post to find net.
Iowa had another breakaway opportunity with just over 20 seconds left in the first period. Freshman Brooke Backes got into a one-on-one situation with McNulty, who was coming out of the box to charge the ball again. Backes’ chip shot got past McNulty, but rolled just wide of the goal.
“We had players take their defenders on, and we were much better in our possession from the midfield to the attacking third, and it allowed people to get balls in possession and get shots on goal,” said Rainey.
Iowa outshot Penn State 11-5 in the second frame, but the Nittany Lions scored the game-winner in the 57th minute with another goal by Schram. Maya Hayes sent a pass inside the box to Schram, who shot on her second touch from six yards out.
Lacasse and Catrell led an often threatening Iowa offense, as each had seven shots with two shots on target. Lacasse tallied her 12th goal of the season and her 30th point, the same marks she had last season as a freshman. Lacasse ranks fourth in career goals and in career points in program history. Catrell notched her fourth assist of the season and her 18th point. Freshman Hannah Clark played in goal in the second half, notching one save. Clark has an .885 save percentage and a 0.66 goals against average.
“We have to do a good job of recovering and we need to be ready for a really good Nebraska team on Thursday,” said Rainey. “It’s another tough Big Ten game, so we will need to get really great reps to earn the result we want.”
The Hawkeyes will return to action Thursday, hosting Nebraska at the Iowa Soccer Complex. First touch between Iowa and the Cornhuskers (6-9-1, 3-5-0) is set for 7 p.m.