SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — Iowa women’s soccer battled No. 13 Washington on Thursday night, October 8, 2026, but a second-half goal gave the Huskies a 2-1 Big Ten victory at Husky Soccer Stadium.
The Hawkeyes rallied from an early deficit when Sara Batchadji converted a free kick in the first half. Washington’s Avery Nguyen scored the decisive goal in the 68th minute. Iowa fell to 6-4-4 overall and 1-3-3 in conference play, while Washington improved to 10-1-2 and 5-1-1 in the Big Ten.
Washington strikes first, but Iowa answers
Washington forward Alex Buck opened the scoring in the 31st minute. Five minutes later, Iowa capitalized on a foul outside the penalty area as Batchadji buried a free kick to make it 1-1.
It was Batchadji’s fourth goal of the season, with all four coming from set pieces. The teams entered halftime tied, with Washington holding a 3-2 advantage in shots and Iowa leading 2-1 in corner kicks.
Nguyen scores decisive second-half goal
Iowa generated eight second-half shots, including five on goal, but Washington found the breakthrough when Nguyen scored in the 68th minute. The Hawkeyes continued pressing for an equalizer but could not pull even.
Galt makes three saves
Iowa goalkeeper Braelynn Galt recorded three saves, all in the second half. Batchadji, Iba Oching and Millie Greer played all 90 minutes. Batchadji, Berit Parten, Kylie Cino and Liana Tarasco each had two shots, including one on goal apiece.
Hawkeyes seek another Big Ten road result
Iowa entered Thursday’s match after a 1-0 win over Rutgers, its first Big Ten victory of the season. Earlier this fall, the Hawkeyes also battled Nebraska to a scoreless draw while playing shorthanded.
The Hawkeyes continue their western road trip against Oregon on Sunday, October 11, at Pape Field in Eugene. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. Central, with coverage on B1G+.