CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The University of Iowa soccer team shut out Minnesota, 2-0, on Sunday afternoon in a Big Ten Regional Final game at Demirjian Park. The win advances the Hawkeyes to next week’s Big Ten Tournament.
Lightning struck twice in the first half. The first strike came in the first minute of the game when freshman Meike Ingles stole a pass from Minnesota goalkeeper Megan Plaschko, then quickly booted a shot over the keeper’s head for the first goal of the game.
It was Ingles’ second goal in as many games.
Then, just six minutes later, junior Samantha Tawharu intercepted another pass from Plaschko, this time well above the top right corner of the penalty box. If Iowa’s previous score capitalized off field position, then the second goal was a product of pure finesse.
Tawharu bent a deep shot across the field to the top-left corner of the net to give the Hawkeyes a 2-0 lead.
From there, the Hawkeye defense bore down, stopping nine Golden Gopher shot attempts on the way to their fourth shutout of the season. Goalkeeper Macy Enneking came up with three saves and notched her fourth-career victory.
With the win, the Hawkeyes have won three of their last four games and move to 4-8-1 on the year.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH DAVE DIIANI…
“Today’s game went how we hoped it would go. After playing overtime on Thursday and Minnesota wasn’t able to play, it was incredibly important to start fast, get an early goal. We knew Minnesota would be fresher as the game wore on, and they are relentless in how they attack.
“I was happy with how we defended with a two goal lead and momentum swinging toward Minnesota in the second half. We showed our lack of experience playing with a lead, but in fairness, it hasn’t happened a lot this year. It was a courageous effort by our team this weekend. I’m very proud of them.”
OF NOTE
- Sunday marks Iowa’s widest margin of victory this season; However, the Hawkeyes took just five shot attempts, including two shots on goal (both were scores).
- Iowa’s two first half goals was the first time the Hawkeyes have scored twice in the same half this season.
- 90 TRACKER: Five Hawkeye position players played the entirety of Sunday’s game. They are: Sara Wheaton (11), Rielee Fetty (9), Samantha Cary (8), Diane Senkowski (7), and Josie Durr (2).
NEXT UP
With Sunday’s Big Ten Regional Final victory, Iowa advances to their second Big Ten Tournament in the past two seasons. The tournament will be re-seeded based on the regular season finishes of the four qualifying teams. Round one kicks off April 15.
