Gophers Dominate Hawkeyes, Only Manage One Point

The Gophers Lauren Bauer (right) battles for possession. Photo by Christopher Mitchell – www.sportshotphoto.com

St. Paul, Minn. – Oct. 7, 2012
Courtesy of Gopher Sports.com

The Gophers served up an explosive offense, outshooting their opponent 29-7, but struggled to connect with the net, forcing a scoreless draw against the Hawkeyes this afternoon at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.

Minnesota put on the pressure early, playing with an aggressive mentality to create multiple scoring opportunities. On a free kick at the fifteen, Taylor Uhl and Olivia Bagnall combined for a trick play that almost gave the Gophers the early lead.

In the final minutes of regulation, Minnesota surged in its attack. Uhl had an opportunity with a header off the cross but was denied by Iowa’s goalkeeper Hannah Clark. In the 85th minute, Allie Phillips attacked with a bullet just below the crossbar only to be popped out of harms way by the fingertips of Clark. Phillips tried again three minutes later, threading a shot through the Hawkeye defense but was once again stopped to send the game into overtime.

A defensive dual would occupy the first overtime period. Both teams held a solid backline to negate all shots in the period. Minnesota’s defense came up big in the second overtime to save the draw. Marissa Price used her speed to intercept two breakaway attacks that threatened the game.

In a last ditch effort, Phillips fired two consecutive shots that were blocked by Iowa defenders. Taylor Wodnick followed through on the rebound and shot one high to freeze the attack and close out the game.

Phillips and Uhl led the Gopher offense with seven and six shots, respectively. Cat Parkhill played between the posts for two saves, while Jackie Voigt saw her first action of the season in the second half and tallied one. In addition to fending off Iowa’s shooting opportunities, the Minnesota defensive unit continued it strategic play forcing the Hawkeyes into nine offsides infractions.

The Gophers remain at home this weekend hosting Illinois on Friday at 7 p.m. and Northwestern on Sunday at 1 p.m. as part of Minnesota’s homecoming celebration.