IOWA CITY, IOWA — McKendree dismantled Upper Iowa 4-0 on Friday, extending its winning streak to five matches. The visiting Bearcats, ranked among regional powerhouses at 11-1-4, overwhelmed the struggling Peacocks with clinical finishing and defensive control before a sparse crowd.
The regional tournament implications loomed large for both squads. McKendree's elite record positioned the Bearcats as conference leaders with playoff aspirations, while Upper Iowa's 3-12-2 mark and six-game losing streak left the home team desperate for offensive production. That desperation never materialized.
Maddie Mauch broke through in the 10th minute, assisted by Rylie Lucas and Perry Rogan, giving McKendree an early advantage. Aubrey Andrews doubled the lead at 16:29 with a composed finish. The Bearcats' attacking prowess continued relentlessly, with Ella Post extending the margin to 3-0 in the 42nd minute off a Maggie Gleckler assist. Andrews added her second goal at 56:44, sealing Upper Iowa's fate well before halftime.
McKendree's dominance showed across the statistical sheet. The Bearcats fired 25 shot attempts compared to Upper Iowa's seven, converting four into goals. McKendree also commanded possession with seven corner kicks to the Peacocks' one, while outshooting the home team 13-4 on target.
Upper Iowa's goalkeeper made nine saves but faced relentless pressure throughout. The Peacocks managed only four shots on goal, reflecting their inability to generate