Playing in Texas for the third game in two weekends, the ISU soccer team wasn’t able to top No. 7 Texas A&M in College Station, losing 2-0 in a hard fought battle that was within reach until the last 10 minutes.

The Cyclones held a 0-0 draw for the first 80 minutes against the conference’s last remaining unbeaten squad, then lost control in the box. Texas A&M scored off of a corner kick that couldn’t get cleared in the eighty-first minute, and then doubled the lead just more than a minute later on a shot from A&M freshman midfielder Beth West.

Iowa State’s ability to play 80 solid minutes of soccer was a result of the game plan drawn up by the coaching staff to maintain possession up front and relieve the pressure on the defense. The strategy paid off, as senior forward Leslie Hill was able to fire five shots. The Aggies had to change formations up front to try to put some shots on goal.

Although Texas A&M held a 6-0 lead on corner kicks in the first half, the scoreless soccer statement put the pressure on the Big 12 favorites.

Ann Gleason and Ashley Costanzo split time in goal for the second game in row, with Gleason, the Cyclones’ all-time saves leader, playing in the first half.

The two goal keeper scheme worked in Friday’s home game against Illinois State, with Gleason and Costanzo contributing to the shutout victory. Texas A&M’s offense was a more talented group though, and the two late goals were the lone blemishes given up by the Cyclone defense.

In Friday’s game, Iowa State beat Illinois State 1-0 in Ames, showing off a strong midfield and defense. The Cyclones were able to outshoot the Redbirds, and hold onto the ball long enough in the second half to come out with their first win in three weeks.

The conference schedule for Iowa State holds five more games, three of which are at home. The Cyclones need a strong finish to the year in order to make the top eight in the Big 12 and ensure a spot for the conference tournament.

The key to the Aggies’ two goals were the 13-1 advantage in corner kicks, a problem that has plagued Iowa State all year. Getting outshot 86-36 from the corner this season, the Cyclones need assistance on the set pieces, but with five games left, patching the problem will be easier than solving it.

The A&M loss drops Iowa State to 5-8-1 overall, and 0-4-1 in the Big 12. The Cyclones will host Texas Tech at 7 p.m. Friday for another Big 12 contest, in an effort to get their first conference victory.