EAST LANCING, Mich. – The fifth-seeded University of Iowa soccer team defeated No. 4 Michigan State, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal round at DeMartin Soccer Complex. The Hawkeyes advance to the semifinals where they will take on the winner of this afternoon’s game between Wisconsin and Rutgers.
Goalkeeper Macy Enneking grabbed four first half saves for the Hawkeyes as both teams went into the break scoreless.
Then, at the 69-minute mark, fifth-year senior Alyssa Walker stripped the ball off a Michigan State defender and streaked toward the net, launching the deciding goal to the bottom-right corner past the sliding Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year Lauren Kozal.
The Iowa defense held firm from there, overcoming seven Michigan State shots on goal to secure the 1-0 victory and keep the season alive.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH DAVE DIIANNI
“I am elated for our team with today’s result. Credit to Michigan State, who has had a fantastic season. They put us under a lot of pressure in the first half and we were fortunate to escape 0-0. Our team, however, was undaunted at halftime, adjusted to the changes we were going to make and executed well to finish the game. They competed and executed at the highest level when their best was needed. We look forward to keeping our team together for one more week.”
HAWKEYE NOTABLES
- The Hawkeyes have won five straight Big Ten Tournament games, including four straight shutouts by Enneking; Iowa has won six of its last seven postseason games dating back to last season.
- Iowa and Michigan State each posted 17 shots, seven shots on goal, and six saves on the afternoon; the Hawkeyes avenged a 2-1 regular season defeat at the hands of Sparty.
- Enneking’s six saves match her season high for the third time.
- Walker’s nine goals and 20 points lead Iowa offensively this season.
- 90 TRACKER: Sara Wheaton (18), Samantha Cary (13), Rielee Fetty (11), Riley Whitaker (six), Hailey Rydberg (five), and Addie Bundy (four) each played the entirety of Sunday’s match. Fourteen total Hawkeye position players have registered at least 90 minutes in a game so far this season. They include Olivia Hellweg (two), Miah Schueller, Aleisha Ganief, Courtney Powell, and Kenzie Roling. Alyssa Walker, Meike Ingles, and Maggie Johnston.
UP NEXT
The defending Big Ten Tournament Champions advance to the semifinal round where they will face the winner of Sunday’s game between Rutgers and Wisconsin. The match is set for Thursday, Nov. 4, at a location TBD.