Iowa State holds off late Toledo rally
September 18, 2011
The Cyclone soccer team was able to suppress a late rally by Toledo on Sunday to defeat the Rockets 2-1 in Toledo, Ohio. This was Iowa State’s third consecutive win and only the first goal allowed by the Cyclones in that time period.
Toledo (2-5-1) tested the mental toughness of the Cyclone defense as the Rockets scored a goal with 6:03 left in the match but Iowa State was able to remain level headed and not allow Toledo to even up the score late in the game.
Coach Wendy Dillinger said that while she was not necessarily happy with how the team played overall, she was pleased with how the team fought back when being threatened by the possibility of a late Toledo score.
“It was a tough game and we showed a lot of heart today,” Dillinger said. “We came out playing well, but the momentum shifted with about 15 minutes to go in the first half. The second half was very back-and-forth and almost like a ping-pong match. We showed our mental toughness to win the match, especially after Toledo really stepped up its offensive pressure in the final 12 minutes.”
Freshman goalkeeper Andrea Swanson continues to provide valuable play for the Cyclones (6-3-1). Swanson played for the full 90 minutes of the game and recorded five saves, a career high. This is Swanson’s third win of the season.
The Cyclones recorded their first goal of the game 14:50 into the match in a goal credited to sophomore Brittany Morgan giving Iowa State a 1-0 advantage. Morgan’s goal was her third of the season which ties her for most goals on the team. Morgan is also tied for first on the team in points this season with six.
Sophomore Erin Green provided Iowa State with its second goal of the afternoon at the 67:02 point which would be the difference maker in the match for the Cyclones. The goal was Green’s second of her career at Iowa State.
Next up for the Cyclones is the beginning of the Big 12 Conference season. Iowa State’s first opponent will be the Texas A&M Aggies on Friday, Sept. 23. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in College Station, TX.
