PISCATAWAY, NJ – The University of Iowa soccer team was defeated 1-0 at No. 8 Rutgers on Sunday at Yurcak Field. The Hawkeyes move to 8-5-1 and 2-4-0 in conference play.
It was a defensive battle in Piscataway as the Hawkeyes fended off five shots shots in the first half to keep things scoreless heading into the break. The Scarlet Knights, who are ranked eighth in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, controlled possession for much of the game, firing off 27 shots on the afternoon. Goalkeeper Monica Wilhelm tallied a career high 11 saves, shielding the net from an aggressive Rutgers attack.
An Iowa handball in the 75th minute gave the Scarlet Knights a penalty kick opportunity which sophomore Becci Fluchel drilled to the back right corner for the go-ahead score that would prove to be the game-winner.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH DAVE DIANNI
“Monica [Wilhelm] played arguably the best game of her career. It is a shame we weren’t able to get the three points in that performance.
I am happy with how we competed as a group and our resolve as individuals to fight for 90 minutes against an elite Rutgers squad. We know every game in this conference the margin for error is small between winning and losing, but our team is committed to continue the growth to becoming the best version of ourselves.”
HAWKEYE NOTABLES
- Wilhelm’s 11 saves mark a career high for the redshirt junior and ties for 12th all-time in program history.
- The Hawkeyes took six shots, including three on goal, while Rutgers fired 27 shots including 12 on goal; Iowa entered the game with a 221-122 shots differential over their 13 opponents.
- 90 TRACKER: Sara Wheaton (13) and Hailey Rydberg (2) each played the entirety of Sunday’s game. Eleven total Hawkeye position players have registered at least 90 minutes in a game so far this season. They include Rielee Fetty (nine), Samantha Cary (eight), Addie Bundy (four), Riley Whitaker (two), Olivia Hellweg (two), Miah Schueller, Aleisha Ganief, Courtney Powell, and Kenzie Roling.
UP NEXT
Iowa travels to Nebraska on Thursday, Oct. 14, for a 7:05 p.m. match at Hibner Stadium. Then, the Hawkeyes host Illinois on its Senior Day at 1 p.m. (CT) on Sunday, Oct. 17, at the Iowa Soccer Complex.