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No. 13 Hawkeyes Take Down No. 6 Arkansas, 3-2, in Season OpenerNo. 13 Hawkeyes Take Down No. 6 Arkansas, 3-2, in Season Opener
Women's Soccer

No. 13 Hawkeyes Take Down No. 6 Arkansas, 3-2, in Season Opener

The 13th ranked University of Iowa women’s soccer team won its season opener, 3-2, over sixth ranked Arkansas.

Opens in a new window Box Score (PDF)
by Brandt Dickey
Box Score

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The 13th ranked University of Iowa women’s soccer team won its season opener, 3-2, over sixth ranked Arkansas. The win marked Arkansas’ first regular sesaon loss at home since 2021.

It took no time for freshman Liana Tarasco to make an impact for the Hawkeyes as she netted her first collegiate goal just seven minutes into the match to give Iowa a quick lead. Tarasco was awarded a penalty kick after a handball and scored off of a deflection.

Senior Kenzie Roling added to the Hawkeyes lead with a goal in the 25th minute. Junior Sofia Bush was credited for the assist. The goal marks the 11th of Roling’s career as a Hawkeye.

At the break, Iowa led the Razorbacks, 2-0. Iowa fired eight shots in the first 45 minutes. Senior Goalkeeper Taylor Kane had two saves in the first half to post a shutout after 45 minutes of play.

 Arkansas struck quickly to open the second half, with Taylor Tommack, scoring just three minutes into the second half. However, it didn’t take long for Iowa to respond as two minutes later junior Abby Skiff netted her first career goal to put Iowa up 3-1. The goal was assisted by sophomore Iba Oching and Bush.

The Razorbacks would then convert on another goal just five minutes later to bring the Hawkeye lead within one. Iowa would go on to shutout sixth ranked Arkansas for the remainder of the game to win the match, 3-2.

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH DAVE DIIANNI
“I’m proud of our kids. We went into possibly the hardest road environment in the country and fought for 90 minutes. There were moments of really good soccer quality on the ball offensively, and some opportunistic finishing. I was incredibly happy with our team’s defensive effort and mentality throughout the full game.”

HAWKEYE NOTABLES
  • The Hawkeyes 2-0 lead at the half marked the first time Arkansas had trailed at halftime at home since 2021.
  • The victory marks Iowa’s highest ranked road win since April 15th, 2021 when they defeated No. 4 Penn State, 1-0.
  • Iowa’s last top 6 victory came against No. 5 Penn State on Nov. 2nd, 2023. The Hawkeyes defeated the Nittany Lions, 1-0, in double overtime in the Big Ten Tournament. 
  • Head Coach Dave DiIanni is now 3-2 in his Iowa career against opponents ranked sixth or higher. In those games, Iowa has outscored their opponent 5-4.
    • Prior to DiIanni’s arrival, Iowa was 0-7 against opponents ranked sixth or higher. In those games the Hawkeyes were outscored 29-4.
  • DiIanni is now 9-2-1 in his Iowa career in the season opener. He is 6-2-0 when opening the season on the road.
  • Tonight was the first time Iowa opened their season with a ranked opponent.
  • Prior to tonight, Arkansas was 41-1-4 at home over the last four seasons.
    • They had not suffered a loss at home in 42 of their last 43 games.
  • 20 different Hawkeyes played in the match.
  • 2 for the Money: Iowa’s record is 56-2-3 in its last 61 games when scoring two goals or more, which dates back to October of 2017.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes play host to No. 9 TCU on Aug. 21 in the home opener. The match will be streamed live on Big Ten Network.