
Women’s Soccer Drops Home Match to No. 11 Iowa
September 07, 2025 | Women's Soccer
SPRINGFIELD – No. 11 Iowa handed Missouri State a 5-0 defeat on Sunday afternoon at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium, behind a four-goal performance from Kelli McGroarty that lifted the Hawkeyes to 5-1-1.
McGroarty struck twice late in the first half, helping Iowa build a 3-0 advantage by the break after Liana Tarasco opened the scoring in just the second minute. The senior forward added two more in the second half, while Iowa capitalized on set pieces and consistent pressure, finishing with a 17-6 shot advantage and an 8-4 margin in corners.
Missouri State found openings in the attack with Reilly Heman and Julia Kristensen putting shots on goal. Goalkeepers Ella Becker and Victoria Spahn combined for three saves in the rematch of last season's NCAA First Round game won 2-1 by the Hawkeyes 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."
Up next, the Bears (2-5-1) begin a four-match road stretch, starting with their final non-conference contest at Central Arkansas on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 6:00 p.m. Missouri State then opens Conference USA play at Liberty on Friday, Sept. 19, at 2:30 p.m., followed by trips to Jacksonville State on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 6:00 p.m. and Kennesaw State on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 11:00 a.m.
McGroarty struck twice late in the first half, helping Iowa build a 3-0 advantage by the break after Liana Tarasco opened the scoring in just the second minute. The senior forward added two more in the second half, while Iowa capitalized on set pieces and consistent pressure, finishing with a 17-6 shot advantage and an 8-4 margin in corners.
Missouri State found openings in the attack with Reilly Heman and Julia Kristensen putting shots on goal. Goalkeepers Ella Becker and Victoria Spahn combined for three saves in the rematch of last season's NCAA First Round game won 2-1 by the Hawkeyes 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."
Up next, the Bears (2-5-1) begin a four-match road stretch, starting with their final non-conference contest at Central Arkansas on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 6:00 p.m. Missouri State then opens Conference USA play at Liberty on Friday, Sept. 19, at 2:30 p.m., followed by trips to Jacksonville State on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 6:00 p.m. and Kennesaw State on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 11:00 a.m.
#GoBears
Team Stats
IOW
MSU
Goals
5
0
Shots
17
6
Shots on Goal
8
2
Saves
2
3
Corners
8
4
Fouls
5
6
Scoring Plays

Liana Tarasco (3)
Assisted By: Elle Wildman , Sofia Bush
GOAL by IOW Tarasco, Liana Assist by Wildman, Elle and Bush, Sofia.
02:07

Kelli McGroarty (4)
Assisted By: Lexy Griffin , Morgan Lietz
GOAL by IOW McGroarty, Kelli Assist by Griffin, Lexy and Lietz, Morgan.
41:42

Kelli McGroarty (4)
Assisted By: Shae Doherty , Eileen Solomon
GOAL by IOW McGroarty, Kelli Assist by Doherty, Shae and Solomon, Eileen.
42:46

Kelli McGroarty (4)
Assisted By: Morgan Lietz
GOAL by IOW McGroarty, Kelli Assist by Lietz, Morgan.
72:58

Kelli McGroarty (4)
Assisted By: Morgan Lietz
GOAL by IOW McGroarty, Kelli Assist by Lietz, Morgan.
89:42
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
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Baseball Postgame at Kennesaw State (5/15/26)
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Baseball Postgame vs. NMSU (5/10/26)
Sunday, May 10





















