Sept. 4, 2015
MISSOULA, Mont. — Senior Brooke Backes scored her first goal of the season to help send the University of Iowa soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Utah State on Friday afternoon at South Campus Stadium in Missoula, Montana.
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“We looked like a team that got in late last night after a 12-hour travel day,” said UI head coach Dave DiIanni. “Unfortunately, we came out for the first half flat and gave up a goal early. They had to will themselves to be a little more competitive, and they did a great job in the second half.”
The Aggies got on the board in the first three minutes when Katie Flynn snuck a shot past senior goalkeeper Hannah Clark with help from teammate Lauren Harmon.
After trailing 1-0 at the half, the Hawkeye offense came back with a vengeance, firing shot after shot at Utah State goalkeeper Jeannie Woller. The Hawkeyes outshot the Aggies 15-4 in the second half.
After peppering five shots at the Utah State goal, junior Bri Toelle found the back of the net off of a penalty kick in the 60th minute. Just over a minute later, Toelle redirected a pass to Backes, who scored the game-winner, giving the Hawkeyes a 2-1 advantage.
The Aggies had one last chance in the 87th minute when Jessica Brooksby took a corner for Utah State, but Clark and the Hawkeye defense prevailed to hold off the Aggies and secure the 2-1 victory. Clark played all 90 minutes in goal, tallying two saves.
“This was a great, character-building win,” said DiIanni. “When you’re not playing your best and you find ways to win, with our youth and in-experience, it is something we have to teach ourselves every week to be successful. This was a great example.”
Iowa (4-0) returns to action Sunday, facing Montana. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. (CT).
