WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue soccer came up just short in its Big Ten home opener Thursday night, falling 2–1 to Iowa at Folk Field.
The Boilermakers battled back to equalize in the second half but conceded a heartbreaking game-winner in the final minute.
After a first half where Purdue managed only one shot, the Hawkeyes struck first in the 62nd on a strike from Price Loposer . Just three minutes later, Purdue answered. Megan Santa Cruz calmly buried a penalty kick in the 66th minute for her third goal of the season, pulling the Boilermakers level and swinging momentum back in their favor.
The two sides traded chances down the stretch, with Emily Edwards making several key saves to keep Purdue in the match. But with just 12 seconds remaining in regulation, Iowa’s Berkley Binggeli converted off an assist from Abby Skiff to hand Purdue a crushing defeat.
The Boilermakers were limited to four shots on the night, with Santa Cruz providing both shots on target. Edwards finished with six saves, while the Purdue back line—anchored by Zoe Cuneio, Margaux Chauvet, and Lauren Adam—fought hard against a Hawkeye attack that generated 20 shots and five corners.
For more on the Purdue soccer team, visit PurdueSports.com/Soccer and follow and connect with the Boilermakers at @PurdueSoccer on Twitter/X, Instagram and Facebook.