FORWARD CRYSTAL TOWNLEY (AS4) blows past a DePaul defender during the two teams’ 0-0 double-overtime tie. Photo: Sarah Andrews
The Drake women’s soccer team posted its third-straight shutout with a 0-0 tie against in-state rival, Iowa State at Drake Stadium Sunday. The Bulldogs moved to 3-3-3 on the season, while the Cyclones’ record stands at 4-1-4.
The defense held steady once again for Drake, as it continues to be the team’s strength in the early stages of the season. Bailey Dorrington (B3), Rachel Gielau (AS4), Karissa Brown (B4) and Melissa Lewis (AS4) anchored the Bulldog D in the first match-up against Iowa State since 2006, when the Cyclones defeated Drake by the score of 4-2.
“Iowa State was a quality opponent,” Head Coach Lindsey Horner said. “It was a great result for us to earn the shutout.”
This game differed from the previous match, as both goalkeepers managed to keep the offense to a minimum with their hard work between the posts. Kourtney Arnold (B2) had eight saves for Drake on her way to collecting her fourth shutout of the year. In the opposing net, Ann Gleason blocked five shots for Iowa State.
Although the score indicates a game with few shots on goal, there were plenty of opportunities for both teams. Iowa State accumulated 15 shots in the game, but thanks to Arnold’s strong play, none of them found the back of the net. Drake had its own share of offense as well, getting off 13 total shots. Liz Woerle (B, AS4) had a game-high four shots for the Bulldogs, while Blair Nelson (J4) managed two shots on goal.
It was a hard-fought game between both teams but in the end, both defenses controlled the outcome of the game. Neither team could tally the go-ahead goal, even through the game’s two 10-minute overtime periods. Despite not coming away with a victory, Horner said she was proud of her team’s effort.
“Our work rate and intensity today were outstanding,” Horner said.
Iowa State earned seven corner kicks on the day, but Arnold and the Drake defense denied each one. The Bulldogs had four corners but also could not convert. The Cyclones committed nine fouls throughout the game, while Drake had eight.
The Bulldogs will be back in action tonight, when they travel to the University of Missouri-Kansas City to take on the UMKC Kangaroos.
