IOWA CITY — Iowa Hawkeye soccer kept another opponent off the scoreboard Friday night, but eight shots on goal weren’t enough to deliver its first Big Ten victory as Illinois held the Hawkeyes to a scoreless draw.
Iowa controlled 55 percent of possession and outshot the Fighting Illini 13-8 in the September 18 matchup at the Iowa Soccer Complex. Illinois goalkeeper Izzy Lee answered every Hawkeye shot on target, finishing with eight saves.
The result moved Iowa to 5-2-3 overall and 0-1-2 in conference play. Illinois is now 3-1-5 overall and also 0-1-2 in the Big Ten.
It was Iowa’s second consecutive scoreless draw, following the Hawkeyes’ shorthanded battle against Nebraska, when they survived the final 65 minutes with only 10 players.
Chances come, but goals remain elusive
Sofia Bush led Iowa’s attack with a season-high three shots on goal. The Hawkeyes also earned five corner kicks to Illinois’ two, but couldn’t turn those opportunities into the deciding goal.
“It was similar to the last game in terms of fight, grit and determination,” Iowa head coach Dean Ward said. “I think we created some good chances, but we didn’t take them. We’re disappointed that we didn’t win but I can’t fault the team for their effort.”
Iowa has outshot opponents 214-73 this season, yet remains in search of its first conference win after three Big Ten matches.
Defense delivers another shutout
At the other end, goalkeeper Braelynn Galt made two saves as Iowa collected its sixth shutout of the season.
The Hawkeye defense did not allow a shot on goal after the 58th minute, keeping Illinois from putting Galt under late pressure.
Lexy Griffin and Josie Jones each played the full 90 minutes for the first time this season. Iowa has now had 10 position players complete an entire match.
Sara Batchadji went the distance for the sixth time this year, while Griffin and Berkley Binggeli made their first starts of the season.
Penn State awaits
Iowa heads to State College, Pennsylvania, to face Penn State on Thursday, September 24, at Jeffrey Field.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Central, with the match streaming on B1G+.
(TOP PHOTO via Iowa Athletics.)