Reivers shock Butler, Grizzlies upended in season home opener for first time

HOW IT HAPPENED: The Reivers dominated play from the start creating multiple opportunities on goal. The breakthrough came in the 14^th minute when sophomore defender Jessica Curtis received a ball on the flank from her overlapping run. Curtis took a touch and played a teasing ball across the six-yard box. Sophomore forward Ashley Overberg got on the end of the Curtis cross for a one time back post finish. Iowa Western controlled the tempo of the match, which proved to be a midfield battle as both teams struggled to maintain any sustained possessions. The Reivers got the insurance goal just after the break. Freshman striker Kauany Sousa found Laura Chavez at the penalty spot. After a failed attempt to find space, Chavez slotted the ball home left footed through a crowd of Butler defenders.

The Reivers conceded a few opportunities to the host Grizzlies, but transfer goalkeeper Whitney Dockweiler steadied the backline and earned the first clean sheet of the season with three saves.

NOTES & NUMBERS: The Reivers beat Butler CC for the first time since 2014 and improve their head to head to 8-5-3 all-time. The win also marked the first time Iowa Western beat Butler in El Dorado in 10 years. The shutout ended one of the nation's longest home scoring streak, as Butler was shutout at home for the first time in a decade.  Overberg scores the team's first goal of the season in back-to-back seasons; both against Butler.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Adam Sanchez

"This was an important result for this group. I am very pleased how we came out and dominated the ball and dictated the tempo of the match. I cannot understate how big this match was for us. We could have played better on both sides of the ball, but for our first match against a great opponent and the players' approach to the match, I'm super pleased. They should be very proud of the effort they put in and to get a great result on the road at a place where it is very difficult to get a result.

Ashley Overberg

"I was excited to give the team confidence early in the match", Overberg stated about the team's season opening goal. "It was important for us to get an early edge on (Butler). I saw the ball come across the goal and thought, 'Don't mess this up'! I was excited that it went in."

UP NEXT: The Reivers are back in action on Friday, August 31 at home, as they host Region 18 Champion Snow College. The matches can be viewed live at www.njcaatv.com/iwcc. Match updates can be found on Twitter at @ReiverWSoccer.