LOS ANGELES – The University of Iowa soccer team fell to Virginia Tech, 1-0, on Sunday night at Wallis Annenberg Stadium in the Round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament. The Hawkeyes season comes to a close in the Sweet 16 with a final record of 15-3-4.
Both teams started the game off strong defensively, with the first shot not coming until the 13th minute by Virginia Tech. The Hawkeye offense then started to get going, firing two shots in the 17th minute. Rielee Fetty’s shot was blocked while Kenzie Roling’s header attempt was just wide.
Iowa’s best scoring chance in the first half came off a shot from Miah Schueller. Schueller’s attempt was over the outstretched arms of the Virginia Tech goalkeeper but was just off the crossbar.
After the first 45 minutes, the Hawkeyes outshot the Hokies five to three. Both teams were unable to put a shot on goal. Iowa had two corner kicks while Virginia Tech had zero. The Hokies were whistled for seven fouls while the Hawkeyes were whistled for five.
At the break, the match remained a scoreless tie.
Maggie Johnston fired a shot in the 49th minute that was saved by Lauren Hargrove, Virginia Tech’s goalkeeper. The shot marked the first shot on goal for either team. The Hawkeyes had a great scoring opportunity in the 62nd minute but Millie Greer’s attempt was just wide right of the net, hitting off the post.
Macy Enneking then had two saves within a minute of each other in the 76th and 77th minute to keep the game tied, her 225th and 226th save of her career. Virginia Tech’s Allie George was then able to find the net in the 79th minute to give the Hokies the 1-0 lead. The goal would go on to be the game winning goal.
The Iowa offense was left with just 10 minutes to score and tie the game but were unable to find a shot. Iowa’s last scoring opportunity came in the 82nd minute when the Hawkeyes were awarded a free kick but were unable to convert.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH DAVE DIIANNI
“This team has no reason to lower their heads after tonight’s game. They’ve played with pride, togetherness, and fight all year through the ups and downs and had a historic season that’s left a legacy.”
“Tonight’s game was an incredible fight between two similar and deserving teams and we unfortunately ended up on the wrong end of it.”
HAWKEYE NOTABLES
– Eva Pattison exited the match early due to injury.
– The Round of 16 appearance was the first in program history. Iowa had never previously won two games in the NCAA Tournament.
– Iowa’s 15 wins on the season ties a program record.
– Macy Enneking finishes her Iowa career as the all-time win’s leader and all-time shutouts leader.
– The Hokies outshot Iowa, 11-9. Virginia Tech had three shots on goal compared to Iowa’s two. Both teams had four corner kicks.
– 90 Tracker: Sofia Bush, Maya Hansen, Miah Schueller, and Millie Greer were the four position players to register 90 minutes on Sunday night. 16 Hawkeyes saw action in the match against Virginia Tech.
