'Cats Travel to Iowa Seeking Postseason Berth

10/20/2018 4:49:00 PM | Women's Soccer

2018 NORTHWESTERN WOMEN'S SOCCER
DATE	OPPONENT	TIME (CT)	LOCATION	WATCH	LISTEN	LIVE STATS
Sunday, Oct. 21	Iowa	1 p.m.	Iowa City, Iowa	BTN2Go	N/A	StatBroadcast
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EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern will head to Iowa for the final game of the regular season on Sunday at 1 p.m. with a spot in the Big Ten Tournament on the line.

The Wildcats are 10-4-3 on the season and 4-4-2 in conference play, putting them in eigth place in the Big Ten with 14 points. Iowa sits at ninth in the conference with 13 points, meaning Northwestern can secure a spot in the Big Ten Tournament with a win.

Northwestern would also qualify if they draw and either Illinois (at Nebraska) or Michigan (vs. Michigan State) draws or loses. The 'Cats can not qualify with a loss. For a full range of potential outcomes, check out this chart:

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(All of these matches are scheduled for Saturday, except NEB-MSU, which is scheduled for Tuesday) pic.twitter.com/X4Gz0jIUsj
— WNUR Sports (@WNURSports) October 19, 2018

The 'Cats grabbed a crucial 2-1 win over Illinois on Thursday night at Martin Stadium. Senior Brenna Lovera led off the scoring with her team-high eighth goal of the season in the first half. Senior Marisa Viggiano assisted Lovera's goal and added to the scoring with her first goal of the season on a free kick in the second half.

The first half goal was a historic one for the 'Cats, as it marked the 18th goal of Lovera's career. She is now tied for ninth on the all-time goals list at Northwestern and eight goals is a career-high for her in a season, besting her previous two-time output of six. The assist on the goal gave Viggiano 20 on her career, tying her for second in Northwestern history with Aileen Guiney (2000-03).

Northwestern leads the all-time series against Iowa 13-7-1, while the two teams are 2-2 over their last four matchups. The 'Cats bested the Hawkeyes 1-0 the last time they faced off, back in 2016 in Iowa City.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT

IOWA

The Hawkeyes sit at 8-7-2 overall with a 4-5-1 mark in the Big Ten. They were on a three game winning streak, including a win over No. 22 Nebraska, before losing 3-1 at Minnesota on Thursday.

Junior Natalie Winters leads the team in both goals (5) and assists (3), including scoring a game-winning goal against Creighton. Junior goalie Claire Graves has notched 6 shutouts this season, while holding a .796 save percentage and allowing .87 goals per game.

The Hawkeyes are 7-0-2 at home this season, but they can't afford anything except a win on Sunday if they hope to make the Big Ten Tournament.

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