For nearly 70 minutes, the situation looked a bit bleak for the Iowa Soccer team. They hadn’t played their best soccer and an early goal from 17th-ranked Ohio State was still holding up on the scoreboard.

Insert Maya Hansen.

The transfer from South Dakota State scored 44 goals during her career with the Jackrabbits, but she was still searching for her first career goal against a nationally ranked opponent. It came at the perfect time.

A hopeful ball into the box off the foot of Miah Schueller was deflected high into the air off of Lauren Geczik, looking like a harmless attack. The Buckeyes were able to chip it out of the box, but right to the feet of Maya Hansen. She wasted no time, firing a low shot into the bottom right corner for the equalizer. The 68th minute goal proved to be enough to earn a draw on the road in Columbus.

“Getting results on the road is hard, let alone at Ohio State, but it feels like this is a warranted draw. As frustrated as we were with our play in the first half we were equally as happy with our quality and mentality in the second half,” said head coach Dave Dilanni. “Good learning opportunity for us to grow from and travel to Champaign on Sunday.”

The Hawkeyes found themselves behind after a 9th minute goal from OSU forward Amanda Schlueter shocked the Iowa defense. A couple of defensive breakdowns led to some nervy moments early in the match and Schlueter was able to break through before the ten-minute mark.

The Buckeyes goal was the first given up by the Hawkeye defense in nearly 609 minutes going all the way to their draw against Western Michigan on August 22nd.

After the early goal, Ohio State kept the pressure up and pushed to extend their lead twice before the 20-minute mark. In the 13th and 19th minute, Amanda Schlueter threatened with near chances, including a shot that struck the right post and stayed out of the goal. Luckily for the Hawkeyes, the Buckeyes were never able get that second goal, which gave them a chance in the second half.

Tied 1-1, both squads had opportunities to steal the win in the final 15 minutes. The Hawkeyes earned a dangerous free kick from just outside the box in the 75th minute. Meike Ingles did well to put a shot on goal around the Buckeyes defensive wall, but it was right at OSU goalkeeper Molly Pritchard.

Ohio State countered with a chance of their own in the 87th minute. Jadin Bonham drove the ball in near the edge of the box and sent a shot towards the right post, but Iowa keeper Macy Enneking was there to make a diving save. The Hawkeyes defended against a pair of Buckeye corners to close out the 1-1 draw.

A draw between two teams ranked 17th and 18th in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25? As Dave Dilanni said, a warranted draw. Iowa held a 15-12 advantage in shots and a 5-4 advantage in shots on goal. Ohio State earned seven corner kicks to just two for the Hawkeyes.

Up Next: The Hawkeyes will travel to Champaign for a matchup against rival Illinois on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1:00pm CT on BTN+.

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