The Hoosiers must score first, according to results from their first 11 matches. Indiana has trailed in six of their 11 matches. They've rallied to win once, Sept. 2 against Western Michigan (a 4-1 victory).
Friday, Iowa converted a turnover in IU's defensive third, giving themselves a 1-0 lead. Iowa made that lead hold up through 90 minutes to earn a 1-0 win.
The goal came with three minutes (and change) before halftime.
"We got caught with the ball in the back," said IU Coach Mick Lyon. "That's unfortunate. It's something that's happened to us two times. (Note: The other time came two weeks ago Sunday against Marquette.) Sometimes our back players try to overplay. If it's not on, it's not on. Get rid of it.
"It's tough when you get penalized for trying to play. But they've got to get better at that."
Lyon said he ripped on his team at halftime.
"'We're going to pushed off the ball and we're never going to win anything. You better get tough and physical.' I think we did that in the second half."
Iowa had an opportunity to double their lead in the 72nd minute when the Hawkeyes earned a penalty kick. Senior goalkeeper Lindsay Campbell saved a shot by Cloe Lacasse.
Freshman midfielder Abby Smith said that save helped give IU a sense of urgency.
"When we see her make a big-time save like that, it makes us want to attack and get that goal."
Sophomore midfielder Lisa Nouanesengsy had a couple of great opportunities for IU. Each time, Iowa's Emily Moran made the save.
Indiana, coming into this weekend's matches, created 12 opportunities via corner kick in the conference opener against Michigan. The Hoosiers led the conference in corner kicks at 7.67 per match. Iowa held them to two.
After the game, Lyon encouraged his team.
"Keep our heads up," Smith said. "We have the play there. We're right there. We just need to keep working."
Moran, meanwhile, finished the game with six saves. She earned the shutout, and sent the Hoosiers to their second 1-0 loss in conference play.
"Every loss hurts," Smith said. "A 1-0 loss is posit--It's only one goal. We could've come back from that"
