Sept. 6, 2015
MISSOULA, Mont. — McKenzie Warren’s goal in the 73rd minute was the difference, as Montana handed the University of Iowa soccer team its first loss of the season by the score of 1-0 Sunday afternoon at the South Campus Stadium.
 |
“I am disappointed,” said head coach Dave DiIanni. “I thought both teams played hard. It was a game that both teams really wanted to win. We just weren’t able to sustain the same level of play in the second half.”
Warren’s goal beat UI goalkeeper Hannah Clark after it rebounded off the post into the net at the 72:55 mark with the assist from Aspen Peifer. The goal was only the third allowed by Clark and the Hawkeyes so far this season.
After a scoreless first half, Iowa started the second half strong by firing five shots at Montana goalkeeper Kailey Norman in the first two minutes. Junior Bri Toelle had a pair of chances, but she couldn’t deliver, pushing one attempt wide left while the other was blocked.
The Hawkeyes had three solid chances in the final five minutes to net the equalizer. Toelle’s shot sailed left at the 86:23 mark, before Toelle managed to feed the ball to junior Amanda Lulek off a corner at the 88-minute mark, but her shot sailed wide right. Freshman Hannah Kousheh fired another quick shot on goal at the 89-minute mark, but Norman was able to make the save.
Iowa out-shot Montana, 19-10, in the contest, with nine of the attempts on goal. Norman made nine saves in the contest, while Clark made two saves in 90 minutes.
“Until we are able to sustain that and extend our quality of soccer, both offensively and defensively, we will have some inconsistent results,” said DiIanni. “The positive we need to take from this game is our best soccer to date was played in the first half. The area of concern is we can’t seem to find a way or group to give us the sustained effort and focus all the time.”
“This week we need to build a consistency in everything we do at practice so it will parlay into performance in games. It will be easy for us to bounce back this week knowing Iowa State is coming into town.”
The Hawkeyes (4-1-0) return to action Friday, Sept. 11 hosting Iowa State at 6:30 p.m. (CT) at the Iowa Soccer Complex.
