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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The No. 19/21 University of Iowa soccer team matched the best start in program history, downing Indiana, 2-0, on Friday afternoon at Bill Armstrong Stadium in its Big Ten Conference opener. The Hawkeyes are 9-0, matching the start to the 2013 season.
The Hawkeyes notched the game’s first goal in the 36th minute off a Natalie Winters penalty kick after sophomore Samantha Tawharu was tackled in the box. Winters converted the PK into the upper right hand corner, giving Iowa a 1-0 lead. She is now 3-for-3 in penalty kicks this season and 7-for-7 for her career.
After entering halftime with a 1-0 lead, Iowa added an insurance goal in the 73rd minute when senior Devin Burns broke free from the defense and played a perfect ball to Tawharu. The sophomore pushed her shot past Hoosier goalkeeper Bethany Kopel for her third goal of the season.
Iowa senior goalkeeper Claire Graves made three saves to post her fourth shutout in five contests. The Indiana native has five shutouts on the season.
DIIANNI SAYS…
“It was a good start to the Big Ten season, grinding out three valuable points on the road in a tough Friday/Sunday weekend. There were moments today where you could visibly see the belief in each other and the effort they are putting in for one another. We have a quick turnaround to get ready for a good Purdue program on Sunday to finish up the road trip.”
OF NOTE
– The Hawkeyes’ 9-0 start ties the best start in program history and ties the program’s longest winning streak.
– The win is the first time Iowa has opened Big Ten play with a road win. It is also Iowa’s first victory in a Big Ten opener since 2014.
– Winters’ goal was her fourth of the season, tying her for the team lead with Devin Burns and Hannah Drkulec.
– Graves’ shutout was the 22nd of her Iowa career.
– Despite the hot and humid conditions, five Hawkeyes battled to play all 90 minutes: Isabella Blackman, Samantha Cary, Drkulec, Sara Wheaton, and Riley Whitaker.
– Indiana had a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks, but Iowa out-shot the Hoosiers, 9-8.
NEXT UP
The Hawkeyes close out the weekend Sunday, facing Purdue in West Lafayette at noon (CT) at Folk Field. The game will be streamed live on BTN Plus.
