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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa soccer team bested Indiana, 3-1, for its first Big Ten win of the season on Sunday afternoon at the Iowa Soccer Complex.
The win moves the Hawkeyes to 5-4-2 overall and 1-2-1 in Big Ten Play.
It was all Iowa from the start as freshman Hailey Rydberg challenged goalkeeper Bethany Kopel on a shot just four minutes in to the game. After back-to-back saves from redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Cora Meyers, Rydberg gave Iowa the lead in 12th minute off a cross from junior Leah Moss.
Indiana responded quickly with a goal from Mykayla Brown seven minutes later. Redshirt junior Rose Ripslinger scored the game-winning goal for Iowa in the 38th minute off a through ball from junior Natalie Winters.
The Hawkeyes did not let up as freshman Skylar Alward headed the ball to junior Natalie Winters just 24 seconds in to the second half, who put the ball in the back of the net to extend Iowa’s lead to 3-1.
It was Winters’ team-leading fifth goal.
OF NOTE
- Meyers earned her first career win, making two saves.
- Rydberg notched her first career goal.
- Alward earned her second career assist.
- Ripslinger’s game-winning goal is her second this season.
QUOTING HEAD COACH DAVE DIIANNI
“It was a much-needed win. We have been very impressed with our team and their resiliency and commitment to play as a group. A lot of the times we have been playing really good soccer and just not getting results. We were able to get a point on Friday with Purdue and then to get these three points was really important for our group to build momentum and continue with belief. I’m proud of the girls.”
QUOTING CAPTAIN MORGAN KEMERLING
“It is a relief to defend our home field. We have not lost on our home field yet this season, so it is something to be proud of to keep that streak alive. This win shows everyone else in the Big Ten that we are here and can compete as well. We are not a team to be looked down on. We have to use this game to carry our momentum into Ohio State and Penn State. We need to find our groove again and carry that play on.”
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes will be back on the road to face Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. (CT). Iowa will face No. 20 Penn State at noon in University Park, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 30.
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