Story by Emily Gregor
Photo by Joel Venzke
This past Sunday, the Drake women’s soccer team garnered a tie against Iowa State in double overtime. Between the rain, the cold temperatures and the extra minutes, the two teams had to fight to the last minute for the advantage.
“We had players that really stepped up big for us, and I hope we can continue to play like we did (Sunday),” said senior Paige Dusek. “This season has been difficult for us, but if we continue to play like we did on Sunday, then we will be in a good position for the following games.”
In the 49th minute, Dusek appeared to have scored the first goal of the night, however, it was waived.
Action subsided until freshman Rebecca Rodgers scored the goal for the Bulldogs in the 65th minute, with Dusek for the assist.
“Our midfield competed in the air and covered a lot of ground defensively, and our forwards were dangerous in the attack, and our pressing game was effective,” said Drake head coach Lindsey Horner.
Shortly afterward, in the 69th minute, Iowa State struck back with Emily Goldstein’s a corner kick to the net.
With Iowa State outshooting the Bulldogs 26-11, 11-3 on goal, it seemed like the Cyclones were just getting started, but the Bulldogs were able to hold them off from scoring any more.
“When the momentum was with Iowa State, we recognized this and adjusted well until we could gain the momentum back,” Dusek said.
Throughout both overtimes, both teams had chances to score, but no attempts prevailed, leading to a tie.
Junior Andrea Swanson ended the match with a career-high 10 saves.
“Andrea Swanson had a great game for us, not only stopping shots, but her presence and ability to take pressure off our backs was solid,” Horner said.
In addition to keeping the ball out of the net, the Bulldogs had to stop Iowa State’s offense from moving forward, which Dusek said they achieved through discipline and communication with the back line.
As a result, Horner said, the Bulldogs limited the Cyclones to taking a lot of long-distance shots.
“We fought hard and were able to create threatening chances against a good opponent,” Swanson said.
“It’s exciting to see how much we have improved as a team from the beginning of the year and even more exciting to see where we can go.”
Yesterday at 7 p.m., the Bulldogs faced Western Illinois at the Cownie Soccer Complex.
“(Wednesday) We have to come out with the same intensity and level of concentration and execute on our chances,” Horner said.
