IOWA CITY — No. 25 Iowa Hawkeye soccer was forced to play most of Sunday’s Big Ten battle with only 10 players, but the Hawkeyes refused to crack, fighting Nebraska to a scoreless draw at the Iowa Soccer Complex.
Defender Millie Greer was shown a red card in the 25th minute, leaving Iowa shorthanded for the final 65 minutes. Despite the disadvantage, the Hawkeyes kept Nebraska off the scoreboard and moved to 5-2-2 on the season. Nebraska moved to 2-2-4.
The result came three days after Iowa opened Big Ten play with a frustrating 1-0 loss at Minnesota despite generating more offensive opportunities.
Sunday presented an entirely different challenge.
Iowa generated seven shots during the opening 45 minutes, but Greer’s dismissal forced the Hawkeyes to spend much of the afternoon absorbing Nebraska pressure while searching for opportunities to counter.
Nebraska finished with a 19-13 advantage in shots and held a 7-5 edge in corner kicks.
Iowa goalkeeper Braelynn Galt was outstanding when the Hawkeyes needed her most, making a season-high seven saves to preserve the shutout. Nebraska goalkeeper Avery Gillahan stopped five Iowa shots.
“I’m a little disappointed in terms of the result,” Iowa head coach Dean Ward said. “But I couldn’t be prouder of this team for their fight, determination and togetherness on a Sunday after a road game. Both games were physical but that just showed what we’re all about.”
Forward Kylie Cino led Iowa’s attack with four shots.
The 19 shots surrendered to Nebraska were the most Iowa has allowed in a match this season, making the clean sheet even more impressive given that the Hawkeyes played nearly three-quarters of the contest down a player.
Sara Batchadji logged her fifth full 90-minute match of the season, while Julia Freed played the entire match for the first time this year.
Iowa’s defense has been a major part of the Hawkeyes’ strong start. Earlier this month, the Hawkeyes allowed Missouri State only one shot while rolling to a 3-0 shutout victory over Missouri State to complete a 5-1-1 nonconference schedule.
The Hawkeyes also dominated Iowa State earlier this season, outshooting the Cyclones 26-2 during a 2-0 Cy-Hawk soccer victory in Ames.
Iowa will stay home for its next Big Ten matchup, hosting Illinois on Friday at the Iowa Soccer Complex.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. The match will stream on B1G+, and admission is free.
(TOP PHOTO via Iowa Athletic Department.)