24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2016-17 | Photo Gallery | Box Score | Boxscore
MINNEAPOLIS — The University of Iowa soccer team defeated Eastern Michigan, 1-0, on Friday afternoon in a neutral site matchup at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. The win moves the Hawkeyes to 2-1-0 this season.
“Today we played a very organized Eastern Michigan team that made it difficult for us to break them down and create chances,” said UI head coach Dave DiIanni. “I was unhappy with our energy level and movement off the ball in the first half and we were too impatient in the final third of the first half.”
Iowa grabbed the lead in the eighth minute when freshman Devin Burns scored from inside the 18 on an unassisted strike to give the Hawkeyes a 1-0 lead. It was Burns’ team-leading second goal of the season.
The goal stood up, as the Hawkeyes dominated the action.
Iowa controlled the game for the duration, holding a 19-2 advantage in shots and a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks. Iowa surrendered just one shot in each of the two halves.
Freshman Claire Graves posted her first career shutout, tallying a pair of saves in the victory. She has 15 saves in three matches this season.
“We made some adjustments at half time and per usual with this group, they responded,” said DiIanni. “We created some better quality chances and were unfortunate to not get another goal later in the game. This is a team that learns quickly and I know will respond Sunday with a better effort for our home season opener vs. Wyoming.”
The Hawkeyes return to action Sunday, hosting Wyoming at the Iowa Soccer Complex in the regular-season home opener. Game time is set for noon (CT); admission is free.
