IOWA CITY — Iowa Hawkeye soccer finally broke through in Big Ten play Sunday, defeating Rutgers 1-0 behind a first-half goal from Berit Parten and another shutout from goalkeeper Braelynn Galt.
The victory improved Iowa to 6-3-4 overall and 1-2-3 in conference play while Rutgers fell to 3-5-3 overall and 2-4 in the Big Ten.
The win was especially important for an Iowa team that had gone winless through its first five conference matches despite repeatedly controlling stretches of play.
NorthIowaToday.com previously reported that the Hawkeyes carried a lead into the second half against No. 8 Ohio State before the Buckeyes rallied for a 3-1 victory.
Parten strikes in the 36th minute
Iowa controlled much of the opening half and finally cashed in during the 36th minute.
Parten found the back of the net for her fifth goal of the season, giving the Hawkeyes a 1-0 lead.
The goal pushed Parten to 17 points this season, tying her career high.
Parten has now recorded at least one point in every match in which Iowa has scored this season.
The Hawkeyes dominated the first 45 minutes statistically, firing 11 shots while holding Rutgers to just one.
Iowa also earned seven corner kicks before halftime.
Hawkeye defense holds firm
Rutgers increased the pressure after the break, generating six second-half shots.
Iowa’s defense refused to surrender the equalizer.
Galt stopped both Rutgers shots on goal and completed her seventh shutout of the season.
Liana Tarasco became the 12th Iowa position player this season to play a full 90 minutes, while Millie Greer, Sara Batchadji and Iba Oching also went the distance.
The defensive effort preserved a one-goal advantage that proved enough to secure Iowa’s first conference victory.
Iowa controls the numbers
The Hawkeyes finished with a 15-7 advantage in shots and a commanding 10-2 edge in corner kicks.
Iowa put six attempts on goal and controlled 61% of possession.
Kylie Cino led the Hawkeyes with two shots on goal.
Through 13 matches, Iowa has now outshot its opponents 251-111.
That aggressive attacking style has been evident throughout the season. NIT previously reported that Iowa dominated the shot count against Minnesota despite dropping its Big Ten opener 1-0.
The Hawkeyes also rallied for a 1-1 draw at Penn State during a stretch of three consecutive conference ties.
Ward: “Three points” were what mattered
Iowa head coach Dean Ward said the victory was more important than style points at this stage of the Big Ten schedule.
“We got three points and that’s the most important thing right now,” Ward said.
He credited Rutgers with creating problems in the second half but praised Iowa’s ability to withstand the pressure and grind out the result.
Washington road trip awaits
Iowa now heads west for its next Big Ten matchup against Washington at Husky Soccer Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. Central.
The Hawkeyes will enter that match at 6-3-4 overall with their first Big Ten victory finally secured and Parten continuing to lead one of the conference’s most persistent attacking teams.