IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa soccer kicks off the 2023 season with a road exhibition against South Dakota on Saturday, Aug. 5, at the First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex in Vermillion, South Dakota. Action gets underway at 11 a.m. (CT).

The match is the first of two exhibitions prior to the regular season. The Hawkeyes conclude preseason action with the second exhibition versus Drake at 7 p.m. (CT) on Aug. 12 at the Cownie Soccer Complex in Des Moines, Iowa.

South Dakota finished 4-9-5 overall last season, led by returning Coyote Janaina Zanin with 12 offensive points, as well as starting goalkeeper Caroline Lewis. The Bulldogs were 5-8-6 on the year in 2022, and also return their leading point scorer in senior Emma Nagel (11 points, 5 goals).

Attendance to both matches is free, and spectators are encouraged to attend.

Iowa brings back a veteran core of five seniors who have made a combined 217 career starts. Leaders include returning captain and fifth year player Samantha Cary, as well as graduate student Josie Durr suiting up for her seventh season wearing the black and gold.

Junior Elle Otto is Iowa’s leading returner offensively, having put up 11 points last season on three goals and five assists. Senior goalkeeper Macy Enneking currently ranks sixth in career shutouts (9) and seventh in career victories (13) for the Hawkeyes.

Fourteen returning Hawkeyes have made at least 10 career starts. Iowa also welcomes 16 newcomers, including 13 freshmen and three transfers.

The Hawkeyes open the regular season on Aug. 17 at Florida Gulf Coast in For Meyers, Florida. Iowa’s home opener is set for 1 p.m. (CT) on Aug. 20 against Kansas City.