IOWA CITY, Iowa- The Western Illinois women's soccer came up just short against Iowa Friday, Aug. 29, losing its season opener, 1-0, at the Iowa Soccer Complex.

"Iowa is a very good team," stated Western Illinois head coach Tony Guinn. "Coach Rainey has done a wonderful job improving that squad. Every time we see them they are better than before. They put a lot of pressure on us with speed and toughness. It was a good test for us away from home and I think we'll really learn from this. They were definitely one of the top three teams we've played since I've been at Western, and we played well."

The two teams battled to a 0-0 tie throughout the first half, but that all changed when sophomore Keli McLaughlin crossed the ball into the middle of the field and found freshman Alyssa Cosnek who beat the Westerwinds (0-1-0) defense and put the ball in the back of the net for her third goal of the year.

The Hawkeyes (2-0-0) put the pressure on the Westerwinds defense, taking 18 shots to Western's six. Sophomore Jessica Walsh (Rockville Centre, N.Y./South Side) was solid in net for the Westerwinds, making seven saves and only allowing the one goal.

"Jessica played unbelievable in goal," said Guinn. "She kept us in that game by making some big saves and keeping the score close. We just couldn't capitalize."

Senior Ashley Hoch (Brookfield, Wis./Central) led the Western offense with two shots on the game.

The Westerwinds play St. Ambrose in their home opener, Sunday, Aug. 31, at 1 p.m. at John MacKenzie Alumni Field.