Centerfielder Mira Emma scored twice in the first half to lead Iowa State to its first win in the last four games Thursday afternoon against Portland State 2-0.

The Cyclone offense carried their momentum from their last matchup, scoring multiple goals for the second-straight match. This was Iowa State’s first-ever matchup against Portland State. 

The Cyclones found themselves controlling possession and had a dominant shot advantage for the entire first half. 

Cyclones find success with first-half control

The Cyclones offense hadn’t shown up most of the year until their last matchup against UC Santa Barbara. They continued that new-found offense against Portland State by scoring two goals in the first 27 minutes of the match. 

The Cyclones started the match by controlling the ball for most of the first half and held their composure on and off the ball. The Cyclones outshot the Vikings 9-4 in the first half as well as having four shots on goal. 

Not only did the Cyclones shoot more often, but they also chose carefully when to test Portland State goalkeeper Eden Millan. Emma found the back of the net in the 15th minute off a Portland State mistake. 

The Vikings passed the ball back into their own third of the pitch where senior Maddie Brant was able to intercept the ball and quickly find Emma for the first point of the game. 

Emma’s strike gave her the lead for most goals on the team for the year with three. However, she would not stop there. 

The midfielder kept on attacking and applying pressure to the Viking defense and set herself up for another opportunity to score. In the 27th minute, the referee awarded Emma with a penalty kick after Millan nudged her to the ground.

Emma placed her kick in the bottom left of the net with ease and sent Iowa State up 2-0 at the half. 

Cyclone back line holds strong

Portland State made adjustments coming out of halftime looking to try and even out the score, however, the Cyclone defense would not let up. 

For the first 27 of the second half Portland State took control of possession and even outshot Iowa State 3-0. The Vikings simply could not find the back of the net. 

Portland State’s Abi Hoffman had a solid strike from 30 yards out, but her kick went over Iowa State goalkeeper Avery Gillahan’s head. That was the Vikings’ closest chance at getting on the scoreboard all match. 

Cyclones get back in the win column, complete second shutout of the season

The Cyclones were successfully able to hold off Portland State from scoring any goals and allowed just one shot on goal all game, outshooting them 7-1 in that category for the entirety of the matchup. 

The Cyclones also found themselves taking five corner kicks as opposed to Portland State’s one. 

Iowa State will be back home for its next matchup at 1 p.m. Sunday against Kentucky.