CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – University of Iowa women’s soccer battled No. 18 Virginia to a scoreless draw on Thursday night at Klöckner Stadium. With its fifth shutout of the season, Iowa moves to 5-0-1 overall, the program’s longest undefeated start to a season since 2019.
The Hawkeyes were on the attack early, heading into halftime with four shots taken and the lone shot on goal of the first period, sent by junior forward Elle Otto.
With the clean sheet, Iowa’s stellar defense has still allowed just one goal through six games this season. That was put to the test in the second half, as the Cavaliers charged out to 11 shots in the final 45 minutes.
Fortunately, senior goalkeeper Macy Enneking met them off at the pass with a pair of second-half saves to keep the score even. With 14 career clean sheets, Enneking is now one shy of moving into a tie with Emily Moran ’11 for third place in the Hawkeye record book for career shutouts.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH DAVE DIIANNI
“I am very proud of how hard our team fought tonight to get a result on the road in front a big, loud crowd. There were long stretches in the game, especially the first half, in which we played with composure and confidence on the ball.
As the game wore on, Virginia’s quality of players started making it difficult for us defensively, but we showed the resolve to stay organized as a group. Macy [Enneking] came up with a few well-timed saves.
We need to show maturity as a team to finish the road trip Sunday with the same effort.”
HAWKEYE NOTABLES
- Thursday’s match was the first meeting between Iowa and Virginia in women’s soccer.
- The Hawkeyes have allowed just three goals in their last four games against ranked opponents, posting a 1-1-2 record in those contests dating back to the start of last season.
- The Hawkeyes have outscored opponents 10-1 this season; the scoreless draw vs. No. 18 Virginia marks Iowa’s fifth clean sheet of the season and the first time Iowa has been held scoreless.
- 90 Tracker: Fifth-year Samantha Cary (5), senior Maggie Johnston (2) and freshman Millie Greer (4) each logged 90 minutes on the Hawkeye back line. Senior Rielee Fetty (2) is the only other Hawkeye to play the entirety of at least one match this season.
UP NEXT
Iowa (5-0-1) closes out nonconference play at George Mason (0-7-0) on Sunday. Kickoff is slated for 11 a.m. (CT) at George Mason Stadium in Fairfax, Virginia.
