Nebraska Soccer Drops Second Straight Big Ten Match in Loss to No. 8 Iowa

The atmosphere for a Nebraska-Iowa matchup is always electrifying, no matter what the sport is.

Sunday’s soccer matinee carried that same intensity. However, this time, it ended in disappointment for the Huskers again. Nebraska dropped its second straight Big Ten contest, falling to No. 8 Iowa in a matchup that had plenty of implications early in the conference season.

Iowa Shows Why They’re a Top-10 Team

The Hawkeyes entered the game with a 7-1-2 record, bringing momentum and confidence into Lincoln. Their lone blemish came against No. 7 TCU in just the second game of the season. However, they quickly bounced back with a statement win over No. 6 Arkansas on the road.

Final.

Nebraska 0, Iowa 1
— Nebraska Soccer (@HuskerSoccer) September 28, 2025

That 3-2 victory set the tone for a season that has already showcased their balance and resilience. While Iowa hadn’t faced many ranked opponents outside of those clashes, the rivalry feel against Nebraska ensured the intensity would match the stakes.

Head coach Dave DiIanni has built a program known for consistency and toughness. Now in his 12th season, DiIanni’s experience is evident. Before arriving in Iowa City, he won three NCAA Division II National Championships at Grand Valley State, and his impact on the Hawkeyes has been undeniable. Last season, Iowa finished with a 15-3-4 record and secured third place in the Big Ten. It's surely a remarkable result that ties for their lowest finish in program history.

Nebraska’s Battle in the Big Ten

For Nebraska, the loss comes during a critical stretch of the season. Entering the match at 5-1-5, the Huskers had been unbeaten through ten contests, but the Big Ten schedule leaves little room for error. Sunday’s defeat marked a second consecutive stumble, leaving Nebraska searching for answers to keep its early momentum alive.

The challenge was clear from the start: slow down a deep Iowa attack that can score from multiple spots on the field. The Hawkeyes feature at least six players who have tallied two or more goals this season, with senior forward and midfielder Kelli McGroarty leading the charge with four. Nebraska’s midfielders Sadie Sant, Reagan Raabe, and Sadie Waite fought to disrupt the Hawkeyes’ rhythm.

What the Loss Means for the Huskers

This time of year often separates contenders from pretenders in the Big Ten. The late September grind tests not only depth but also mental toughness, and Nebraska is learning that lesson the hard way. While the Huskers have shown plenty of resilience in tight matches, the back-to-back losses highlight the work still needed to handle the conference’s elite.

The highly anticipated showdown against Iowa lived up to its billing, but Nebraska ultimately fell short against one of the nation’s best. The Huskers will now look to regroup and rediscover their early-season form as they move deeper into Big Ten play. Sunday’s match may go down as a setback, but for Nebraska soccer, the lessons learned against a top-10 rival could prove valuable in the long run.

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