Soccer team prepares to face Hawkeyes

By Greg Doddridge
Staff Writer

The Purdue women's soccer team has a lot of motivation to defeat the Iowa Hawkeyes this year.

The Boilers lost to Iowa 6-3 in 1999. They also lost to Iowa 7-1 last year despite out shooting the Hawkeyes 20-14.

"They shot over 50 percent from the field," said Purdue coach Rob Klatte. "I was like, 'Basketball teams are happy if they do that.'"

The Boilers (7-5-1, 3-3-1 Big Ten) face the Hawkeyes at 3 p.m. today at the Purdue Varsity Soccer Complex.

"I think we will be motivated to play," said Klatte. "We have a group of young ladies that would like to redeem themselves probably from their previous performances against the Hawkeyes and this is an opportunity."

But Klatte said there is a lot more riding on the Iowa game today than simple revenge.

The Boilermakers are tied for fourth in the conference with 10 points (a team is rewarded three points for a win and one point for a tie).

"We are tied for fourth, but we are one point away from ninth place," said junior defender Elise Berry.

Iowa (5-8, 3-4) is tied for seventh in the conference with nine points. Sarah Lynch is leading the Hawkeyes this season with five goals.

Purdue's defense of late has allowed the team to post several key wins, including two in the Big Ten.

"The last four games we have really clicked," said Berry. "We have started a new lineup that has really worked, so we stuck with that. And I think we have demanded more of not just the 2-1 wins. We want shutouts now."

Purdue shut out DePaul on Oct. 5, 2-0. The Boilers shut out Minnesota on Oct. 7, 3-0. And they also shut out Michigan State on Oct. 12, 2-0. Even the 1-0 loss to Michigan on Oct. 14 was not the result of an opponent's goal; it was the result of a Purdue player accidentally scoring a goal for Michigan.

"I think we have come together," said sophomore defender Mary Masck. "We're just solid and that's what people said to me. They're like, 'It was just solid,' like just all-around, everybody was playing their best."

Purdue also plays Illinois (6-6, 4-3), which is third in the conference with 12 points, at 1 p.m. Sunday in West Lafayette. Colleen Joyce leads the Fighting Illini offensive attack. She has seven goals and an assist this season.

Iowa and Illinois lost to both first-place Penn State and Ohio State last weekend.

"It will be a physical two games," said Klatte. "But having said that, let's go out and win two."

Weekend Promotions

Today is Greek Day at the Purdue Varsity Soccer Complex. A large door prize is to be given away at the game.

Sunday is Purdue Employee Day. Admission is $2 with a staff ID card. Also, Snowbear gift certificates are to be given away at the game.

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Weekend matches to feature rivalries

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