MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. — Iowa Hawkeye soccer controlled much of the action Thursday night but could not turn a heavy advantage in shots into goals, falling 1-0 to Minnesota in the Big Ten Conference opener.
No. 25 Iowa outshot Minnesota 22-12 and put twice as many attempts on goal, but one first-half strike was enough for the Golden Gophers at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.
The loss dropped Iowa to 5-2-1 overall and 0-1 in Big Ten play. Minnesota improved to 5-1-1 overall and 1-0 in the conference.
Iowa entered conference play after smothering Missouri State in a 3-0 victory to close the nonconference schedule.
Minnesota strikes before halftime
The decisive goal came in the 41st minute.
Minnesota’s Tenley Senden found the back of the net to put the Golden Gophers ahead 1-0 just minutes before halftime.
That proved to be all Minnesota needed.
Iowa continued generating chances throughout the match, finishing with a 22-12 advantage in total shots and a 6-3 edge in shots on goal.
Minnesota goalkeeper Sarah Martin stopped all six Iowa shots that reached the net to preserve the shutout.
Berit Parten and Elle Wildman led the Hawkeye attack with six shots apiece.
Hawkeyes keep piling up shots
Iowa’s inability to score Thursday was not the result of a lack of pressure.
Through eight matches, the Hawkeyes have now outshot their opponents by a staggering 188-46 margin.
That aggressive attack has been a defining feature of Iowa’s season.
Iowa dominated Iowa State 26-2 in shots during a 2-0 Cy-Hawk rivalry victory in Ames, and the Hawkeyes have routinely controlled possession and scoring opportunities against opponents.
The Hawkeyes also outplayed Kansas State for long stretches during a 1-1 draw earlier this month.
Thursday was another match where Iowa created enough opportunities to win, but this time the finishing touch never arrived.
Parten and Wildman each played all 90 minutes for Iowa.
Abby Skiff also went the distance for the second time this season, while Sara Batchadji and Millie Greer each logged their fourth full 90-minute performance.
Hawkeyes return home for Nebraska
Iowa will have an immediate opportunity to bounce back against another Big Ten opponent.
The Hawkeyes return to the Iowa Soccer Complex on Sunday to host Nebraska.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM.
The match will be televised live on Big Ten Network, and admission is free.