Iowa Soccer falls to Virginia Tech in the Sweet Sixteen
A historic season for the Iowa Soccer team came to a close on Sunday night in Los Angeles. Playing in the program’s first ever Sweet Sixteen match, the third-seeded Hawkeyes were upended by seventh seeded Virginia Tech. An 80th minute goal from Allie George sent the Hokies on the Elite Eight.
After a scoreless first 45 minutes, the Hawkeyes best goal scoring chance of the entire match came in the 63rd minute. A free kick from Lauren Geczik pinballed around in the box, before Madison Wilson chipped across to Millie Greer for an open look at the goal. Greer took it off one bounce and hit the right post.
Virginia Tech got some offensive momentum going late in the match and nearly scored off of an Iowa turnover in the 77th minute. Forward Natalie Mitchell got the ball near the top of the box with some space to work. She sent an initial shot off of Iowa defender Miah Schueller, but got the rebound and put a shot on goal. Macy Enneking deflected the shot wide to keep the match scoreless.
The Hokies broke through in the 80th minute. A seemingly harmless looking situation quickly went wrong. Iowa had five defenders around the goal, while Virginia Tech had just one, but defender Allie George bypassed it all. She chipped one from the right edge of the box towards the goal and Macy Enneking leapt, but couldn’t get a full glove on it. It found the side netting at the far post to give the Hokies the late lead.
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The Hawkeyes were unable to find the equalizer in the final ten minutes. Virginia Tech heads to the program’s second Elite Eight, while Iowa closes the season with a 15-3-4 record.
Iowa finishes the 2024 campaign with a number of program milestones, including tying the program record for wins (15), first ever trip to the Round of 16 appearance, highest ranking in program history (#9), tying the program’s highest finish in the Big Ten standings (3rd) and most wins against ranked opponents (4).
