Springfield Standard

No. 11 Iowa defeated Missouri State University Lady Bears Soccer 5-0 on Sunday at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium. Iowa’s Kelli McGroarty scored four goals, contributing to the Hawkeyes’ record of 5-1-1 this season.

McGroarty scored twice late in the first half, and Liana Tarasco opened scoring for Iowa just two minutes into the match. By halftime, Iowa led 3-0. McGroarty added two more goals in the second half as Iowa maintained pressure throughout the game, outshooting Missouri State 17-6 and earning eight corner kicks to Missouri State’s four.

Missouri State managed some attacks with Reilly Heman and Julia Kristensen recording shots on goal. Goalkeepers Ella Becker and Victoria Spahn made three saves combined during the match, which was a rematch of last year’s NCAA First Round game where Iowa won 2-1 in Iowa City.

"This game and entire week that we had is what this program is all about, we play big-time teams consistently," said head coach Kirk Nelson. "Today was a true test against a national championship contender and we got that experience and grew from the matchup. We battled the full 90 minutes in front of our amazing home crowd."

Missouri State’s record now stands at 2-5-1. The team will start a four-game road stretch beginning with Central Arkansas on Thursday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m., their final non-conference match before starting Conference USA play at Liberty on Friday, September 19 at 2:30 p.m. They will then travel to Jacksonville State on Thursday, September 25 at 6:00 p.m., followed by Kennesaw State on Sunday, September 28 at 11:00 a.m.