By Hawkeyesports.com

STARKVILLE, Miss. – University of Iowa women’s soccer improved to 4-0 on the season with a, 1-0, victory at Mississippi State on Thursday night at the Mississippi State Soccer Field.

For the fourth consecutive game, a first-half goal proved decisive for the Hawkeyes as sophomore Shae Doherty converted the game-winner in the eighth minute of action. It was Doherty’s first goal of the season; she now ranks third for the Hawkeyes offensively with three points.

It was the first time this season that an opponent produced more shots on goal than Iowa (5-4), but goalkeeper Macy Enneking was perfect with five saves on all five Bulldog looks. The Hawkeye defense now has three clean sheets for the season, already halfway to last year’s shutout total.

The Hawkeyes spread the ball around on offense, with seven players contributing to nine shots against Mississippi State.

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH DAVE DIIANNI
“We should have put them away in the first half when we had them. Credit to Mississippi State for making changes at halftime and putting us on the back foot. Winning on the road against a good team even when you get out-played the second half is important for us as we build our our team this year.

There are some major differences between the two conferences and how they play. We got caught at times, having to play against a very direct team because we are in the middle of not having enough pressure on the ball and dropping off. I am really proud of our team and their ability to be gritty in the second half defensively.”

HAWKEYE NOTABLES

• The Hawkeyes improve to 1-0-1 in the all-time series vs. Mississippi State.
• Iowa’s 4-0 record marks the best start to a season since 2019, when the Hawkeyes won their first nine games of the year.
• Iowa is the only team in the Big Ten Conference with a 1.000 win percentage; five conference teams have registered draws, but no losses.
• Iowa joins Penn State as the only Big Ten schools with two wins over Power Five programs this season (Iowa also defeated Iowa State, 2-1, on Aug. 24).
• 90 Tracker: Senior Samantha Cary (4) and freshman Millie Greer (3) each logged 90 minutes for the Hawkeyes on Thursday night. Other Hawkeyes to play the entirety of at least one match this season are seniors Rielee Fetty (2) and Maggie Johnston.

UP NEXT
Iowa hosts Senior Day vs. Southeast Missouri State (2-1-1) on Sunday at the University of Iowa Soccer Complex. Kickoff has moved to 10 a.m. due to high temperatures later in the day.