Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2018-19 | Photo Gallery | Box Score (PDF) | Boxscore
IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa soccer team claimed its first win of the 2018 season, posting a 2-0 victory over Creighton on Sunday at the Iowa Soccer Complex.
Iowa’s best chance in the first half came when senior Rose Ripslinger took a shot that caromed off the far post, leading to a rebound shot from junior Bianca Acuario. Creighton goalkeeper Katie Sullivan made the save, keeping the game scoreless.
Iowa came out strong in the second half, earning a penalty kick one minute in to the half when redshirt junior Kaleigh Haus was tackled in the box. Junior Natalie Winters converted the penalty kick for her first goal of the season, giving the Hawkeyes a 1-0 lead.
Iowa got a key insurance goal in the 55th minute when freshman Riley Whitaker found the net for her first collegiate goal. Haus was credited with the assist.
Defensively, the Hawkeyes posted their second straight shutout. Junior Claire Graves made five saves in the victory.
QUICK HITTERS
- Graves’ shutout was the 13th of her career.
- Senior Morgan Kemerling went the distance for her second straight game, playing all 90 minutes.
- The Hawkeyes showcased their depth, utilizing 20 players in the victory.
QUOTING HEAD COACH DAVE DIIANNI
“The game was slow at the beginning. It took us some time to feel out how we wanted to play. We had an idea how they were going to play. I thought we were a little too aggressive in terms of trying to play direct in the first half. After not catching them a few times in the first 15 minutes, they adjusted well and we didn’t adjust.
“It took us until halftime to talk about other options. I’m proud of how our girls played in the second half and killed the game out with passing. Unfortunately, we missed that third goal in the box by Natalie Winters, but it was a great build up.”
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes will travel to Minneapolis to face 21st-ranked Washington State in a neutral-site game on August 24 at 4 p.m. (CT). Iowa will be back home August 26, hosting Indiana State at 1 p.m. (CT).
FOLLOW THE #HAWKEYES ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay up-to-date on the latest University of Iowa women’s soccer team through social media. Follow the Hawkeyes on Twitter (@HawkeyeSoccer), Instagram/HawkeyeSoccer, and Facebook/HawkeyeSoccer.
