Iowa soccer defeats No. 10 UCLA 1-0 at Iowa Soccer Complex
By hawkeyesports.com
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Behind Alli Macke’s second goal of the season, the University of Iowa women’s soccer team upset No. 10 UCLA, 1-0, on Thursday night at the Iowa Soccer Complex, securing its first top-10 victory since Aug. 14, 2025.
The match remained deadlocked until the Hawkeyes broke through in the 67th minute. Macke finished a chance assisted by Sofia Bush to give Iowa the lead. The goal proved to be the difference as the Hawkeyes withstood the Bruins’ attack over the final 23 minutes.
“We needed a big result, UCLA is a very good team and I’m super proud of our team and the way they dug in and found a way.” said Iowa head coach Dean Ward. “The best piece about our performance tonight was how we connected and played and how we were able to possess through the pressure. We kept connecting passes until we ended up finishing.”
UCLA threatened throughout the first half, outshooting Iowa 11-2 and earning five corner kicks. First-year goalkeeper Braelynn Galt kept the Bruins off the scoreboard with three saves before halftime, helping the Hawkeyes enter the break in a scoreless tie.
Iowa found its offensive rhythm after the intermission, recording eight shots in the second half. Macke netted the game-winner in the 67th minute to put the Hawkeyes ahead.
UCLA led Iowa in shots (18-10) and corner kicks (7-3), but the Hawkeye defense held firm to prevent the Bruins from finding an equalizer and securing the 1-0 victory.
The win moved Iowa to 8-4-5 overall and 3-3-4 in Big Ten play. UCLA fell to 10-4-2 overall and 7-2-1 in conference play.
OF NOTE…
- The victory marks Iowa’s first top-10 win since defeating No. 6 Arkansas on Aug. 14, 2025.
- The Hawkeyes’ last win over a top-10 opponent while unranked came on Nov. 2, 2023, when Iowa upset No. 5 Penn State in the Big Ten tournament semifinals.
- The match marks Iowa’s first ever victory over UCLA.
- The Hawkeyes snapped UCLA’s seven-game unbeaten streak.
- Macke’s goal was her second of the season, while Bush notched her second assist.
- Iowa earned its eighth shutout of the season.
- The Hawkeyes are unbeaten in their last 17 matches at the Iowa Soccer Complex.
UP NEXT
Iowa (8-4-5, 3-3-4 Big Ten) hosts USC (2-8-6, 1-5-4 Big Ten) at the Iowa Soccer Complex on Sunday at 1 p.m. (CT) for senior day. The match will stream live on B1G+. Admission is free.
