#24 Iowa Soccer draws with Western Michigan in Kalamazoo
That game had the feeling of an NCAA Tournament matchup. The Iowa Women’s Soccer team and MAC favorite Western Michigan battled back and forth in a physical, 90-minute battle, but in the end, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
“Credit to Western Michigan for taking their chances today. We created more than enough to win and were a bit naïve both mentally and offensive execution,” said head coach Dave Dilanni.
The Hawkeyes jumped on the board in the 3rd minute, taking advantage of a defensive mistake by the Broncos in their own box. On a long ball into the box, WMU forward Abby Werthman slipped and fell while attempting to clear the ball, which allowed Meike Ingles to easily slot it past goalkeeper Ava Wilberding for the opening goal. She has now scored in consecutive games to begin the season.
The Broncos found the equalizer in the 30th minute with an impressive goal from forward Jen Blitchok. It was a goal that came from nearly nothing. Midfielder Heidi Thomasma played a short ball ahead to Blitchok who got past Iowa defender Eva Pattison and lofted a long distance shot fly from over 40 yards away. The shot attempt took goalkeeper Macy Enneking by surprise and cleared just over her outstretched hand for a stunning, game-tying goal.
The second half, the Hawkeyes took control of the game, dominating in time of possession, but were unable to break through for a goal. As the match continued and shots piled up, it seemed more and more likely that a goal was inevitable. However, the Western Michigan defense parried every Hawkeye attack.
In the 62nd minute, Berit Parten got in with a chance on the left side of the box, but her shot attempted was saved by the keeper Wilberding. There was a rebound opportunity for Kenzie Roling, but that shot was deflected wide of the goal frame. Over the final 30 minutes of the match, Iowa put six shots on goal.
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The 73rd minute came with another golden opportunity. A chipped ball into the box got knocked around and Elle Otto popped a left-footed shot towards the goal. It hit the crossbar and the Broncos were able to clear it out of harms way. Near chance after near chance, but nothing in the net.
Finally, in the waning seconds, the Hawkeyes earned a free kick off of a Western Michigan yellow card, but the ball into the box from Berit Parten was never a threat to go in. Seconds later, the final horn sounded on a draw. It’s a game that Iowa will wish that they won.
Iowa held the advantage 25-8 in shots, including 9-5 in shots on goal. Western Michigan goalkeeper Ava Wilberding finished the game with eight saves to keep the Hawkeyes from grabbing the victory.
Up next, the Hawkeyes will travel to Austin for a Sunday ranked matchup against the #12 Texas Longhorns. Kickoff is set for 1:00pm CT and the game will be televised on SEC Network.
