Hawkeyes dominates Oregon State, lightning forces no contest
Arguably the most anticipated season in Iowa Women’s Soccer program history got off to a roaring start on Thursday evening. True freshman Berit Parten netted a pair of goals in the 13th minute to give the Hawkeyes a 2-0 halftime lead over Oregon State. Unfortunately, it was all for nothing, as lightning forced a long delay and ‘injury concerns’ for the Beavers led to the permanent suspension of the game. It will go down as a no contest.
The opening ten minutes of the game were a little shaky at times, as both teams got settled in to their first game of the season. However, it was apparent from the proceedings early in the game that the Hawkeyes were going to control the possession battle.
Iowa broke through in the 11th minute. Playing in just her second game in two years, midfielder Meike Ingles flashed why her return could be a game changer for the Hawkeyes. She got a ball out wide, worked her way into the box and fired a shot on goal. Oregon State goalkeeper Mya Sanchez was able to make the save, but it deflected towards the far post and freshman Berit Parten was there for the easy tap in goal.
Just seconds after the restart of play, the Hawkeyes were back on the attack. After forcing a turnover, midfielder Sofia Bush gave the ball up to Berit Parten who fired a left foot shot from outside the box for her second goal in the span of thirty seconds. Parten led the Hawkeyes with four shots on goal in her debut.
Iowa went into the halftime leading 2-0, but lightning in the area forced a nearly two hour delay. When the second half resumed, they got through just 44 seconds before lightning forced the suspension of play for the night. That ended up being all for the Hawkeyes season opener.
The Hawkeyes will be back on the pitch on Sunday to face the Colorado College Tigers in their ‘Rumble in the Rockies’ finale. Kickoff is set for 12:00pm CT on ESPN+.
